Is my understanding of the answers given correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around interpretations of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics (QM), particularly whether the uncertainty is intrinsic to particles or merely a reflection of our knowledge limitations. Participants explore the implications of these interpretations and their alignment with classical physics concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the uncertainty principle indicates a limitation in our knowledge rather than an intrinsic lack of position and momentum in particles.
  • Others argue that if uncertainty is merely a measure of knowledge, it raises questions about why we cannot know certain properties of particles.
  • A participant expresses skepticism about the need for complex interpretations like many-worlds, asserting that QM does not present anything remarkable.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential misunderstanding of quantum particles having well-defined trajectories, which is contested in various interpretations of QM.
  • Some participants challenge the interpretation of Stephen Hawking's statements, suggesting they may have been taken out of context.
  • One participant draws an analogy between the uncertainty in QM and a scenario involving basketballs in a dark room, arguing that the situation is not mysterious and does not require multiple universes to explain.
  • Another participant questions whether it is acceptable to challenge QM and seeks clarity on Hawking's views regarding particle behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the interpretations of the uncertainty principle, with multiple competing views remaining. The discussion reflects a range of opinions on the nature of quantum mechanics and its implications.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the implications of different interpretations of QM, including the potential for classical trajectories and the role of knowledge limitations. The discussion highlights the complexity and nuance in understanding quantum mechanics.

  • #31
wittgenstein said:
Anyway, it is obvious that I am so stupid that I should not be allowed to ask that question. BYE
I hope you are headed to the library to get a QM book.
 
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  • #32
martinbn said:
This was already answered. The explaanations have to match the observations. They are what they are because that is how nature is. Why they seem extraodinary to you? I can only speculate: it's because you haven't put in the effort to learn some QM.
Because a simpler explanation will suffice. We cannot help but influence our experiments. We do not need many worlds etc. Its just that we influence the results of an experiment and cannot delete that influence. Why does " many worlds" seem extraordinary to me?
 
  • #33
wittgenstein said:
Because a simpler explanation will suffice. We cannot help but influence our experiments. We do not need many worlds etc. Its just that we influence the results of an experiment and cannot delete that influence. Why does " many worlds" seem extraordinary to me?
Ok, other than the popular books, which QM textbook have you tried to study?
 
  • #34
wittgenstein said:
Because a simpler explanation will suffice. We cannot help but influence our experiments. We do not need many worlds etc. Its just that we influence the results of an experiment and cannot delete that influence. Why does " many worlds" seem extraordinary to me?
Anyway, you are making this discussion personal. You really should be less defensive. All I asked was why such extraordinary ( I find Many worlds extremely extraordinary. that there are many planets in other universes with duplicates of me. That doesn't sound extraordinary to you? , I am also including the idea that a particle is everywhere and Wigner etc ) explanations are needed.
 
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  • #35
wittgenstein said:
Anyway, you are making this discussion personal. You really should be less defensive. All I asked was why such extraordinary ( I find Many worlds extremely extraordinary. that there are many planets in other universes with duplicates of me. That doesn't sound extraordinary to you? , I am also including the idea that a particle is everywhere and Wigner etc ) explanations are needed.
OK I typed too fast. I should have said, " Will a simpler explanation suffice. "
 
  • #36
wittgenstein said:
OK I typed too fast. I should have said, " Will a simpler explanation suffice. "
For example, Suppose there is a dark room that I cannot see into. I send basketballs into it. They ricochet out of the room. I will not be able to tell both the position and momentum of the objects that they ricocheted off of. That seems analogous to me firing particles in the 2-slit experiment. There is nothing mysterious going on. I do not have to propose multiple universes etc. Why is any extraordinary explanation needed?
 
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  • #37
martinbn said:
Ok, other than the popular books, which QM textbook have you tried to study?
OK so I am too stupid to be allowed to ask a question. You obviously have no answer to my question, " Why are extraordinary explanations necessary?" I think the idea of many worlds is very extraordinary, Anyway, you are obviously upset and making this personal. BYE
 
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  • #38
wittgenstein said:
My basic question is, is QM actually almost classical except that our influence on the results of an experiment is unavoidable.
No.
Asked and answered.
Next Question Please
 
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  • #39
I cannot see that we can come forward here.
  • The requested level "A" of an answer contradicts the possible content.
  • We do not discuss scientific viewpoints outside our current best knowledge.
  • Yes, everybody is allowed to question things. This is how we usually learn: why is formula xyz correct? It makes no sense to question an entire physical branch in order to learn.
  • I got the impression that the word classical is misinterpreted as simple in this case.
  • My favorite quotation of @phinds kicks in: "To think outside the box, you must know what's in the box."
  • The question has basically been answered.
  • The question has basically been answered, ##1900 \sim 1925##.
This thread is closed.
 
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