Is Time Travel Possible with Quantum Mechanics?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of quantum mechanics and relativity regarding the concept of time travel. It establishes that quantum mechanics is inherently non-deterministic, suggesting that if one were to travel back in time, atomic positions could vary, potentially altering the future. The conversation also highlights the distinction between quantum mechanics and relativity, noting that while relativity provides a deterministic framework for time, quantum mechanics does not. Theories such as loop quantum gravity are mentioned as attempts to reconcile these differences by quantizing space-time.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles, particularly non-determinism
  • Familiarity with the theory of relativity and its deterministic nature
  • Knowledge of atomic structure and behavior in quantum physics
  • Awareness of loop quantum gravity and its implications for space-time
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  • Research the implications of non-determinism in quantum mechanics
  • Study the principles of relativity and how they relate to time travel
  • Explore loop quantum gravity and its approach to quantizing space-time
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Physicists, students of quantum mechanics and relativity, and anyone interested in the theoretical aspects of time travel and the nature of the universe.

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Because the universe is inherently not-detirministic by the very nature of atoms themselves, if we went back in time, wouldn't there have to be a chance of atoms occupying different 3 dimensional coordinates even if they are occupying the same 4 dimensional coordinates that they once occupied, and thus even by going back in time won't necessarily change the future in way it should?
 
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possibly. You might also quantum tunnel, by chance, to my house right now.

There is also the likihood that nothing is there in the 'past' , or maybe it's static, or that it is now in another universe. It depends on which theory you'd like to consider.

Unfortunately quantum mechanics, which IS non deterministic, I don't think tells us much about the nature of time, and relativity, which does explain some aspects of time IS deterministic. And relativity assumes space is continuous while QM doesn't.
 
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QM assumes a continuous background on which to operate. In particular, the position operator has a continuous set of eigenvalues. Only theories like loop quantum gravity try to quantize the space-time.
 

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