Is there anything in the physical world that is actually random even

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the concept of randomness in the physical world, questioning whether any phenomena can be deemed truly random despite having complete information. Traditional views suggested that with enough data, outcomes could be predicted, but advancements in quantum physics challenge this notion. The uncertainty principle, established by Heisenberg, illustrates that while we can measure an electron's position, we cannot simultaneously know its velocity, preventing precise predictions of its future location. This highlights a fundamental limit in our understanding of the universe, where only probability distributions can be described, rather than exact outcomes. The conversation emphasizes the implications of quantum mechanics on the nature of randomness and predictability in physical systems.
tahayassen
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Is there anything in the physical world that is actually random even after we were given every single bit of information needed to calculate an outcome? Rolling a die or flipping a coin doesn't count, because if we did all the calculations, we would be able to calculate what the outcome would be. In quantum physics, they always talk about the probability of electrons being at a certain area. Would we some day be able to know where the location is? Or is it impossible, because it is truly random?
 
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Once upon a time, physicists though everything could be predicted exactly, if you only knew all the data required.
However, with the development of quantum physics, we found out that we can't know everything. We can only describe probability distributions.

Experimentally, Heisenberg found and postulated his uncertainty principle that yes, we can measure the position of an electron.
But the direct consequence is the we've got no clue how fast it is going, so we cannot predict where it will be next.

We don't know why this is, but we have experimental confirmation that it is.
 


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