Examining Probability and Isolated Systems in Physical Configurations

AI Thread Summary
Ascribing probability to a physical configuration involves assumptions about the observer's role, the system's isolation, its comprehensiveness, and the reproducibility of measurements. The discussion highlights the complexities of applying physics, particularly in quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and general relativity. It emphasizes that violations in these assumptions can arise from various combinations of the factors discussed. The conversation also touches on the philosophical implications of randomness in physics, questioning the nature of determinism. Ultimately, the interplay between these concepts raises significant questions about the foundations of physical theories.
Loren Booda
Messages
3,108
Reaction score
4
When we ascribe a probability to a physical configuration, are we not arbitrarily assuming

1. That the system excludes the observer,

2. How isolated the system is,

3. How comprehensive the system actually is,

4. The reproducibility of measurement?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Are you talking about quantum mechanics?

Pete
 
E. g., quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and general relativity - however you would apply physics ultimately to define an experiment.
 
1. Or, that we exclude QM's interpretation...:wink:

2. Yes.

3. Always.

4. A violation here can exist either due to point
num. 3 or 3 and 2 combined or - if you do not exclude
QM's interpretation, then - due to 1 too.

"Does dice play God ?"

Live long and prosper.
 

Thread 'Need help understanding particle physics and quantum physics'

So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
View full post »

Similar threads

A Effects of a spatially nonuniform diffusion parameter
Replies
6
Views
2K
Chemistry Is the differential of heat in a reversible process in an isolated system equal to zero?
Replies
10
Views
2K
B Rest energies of individual nucleons considered in isolation
Replies
2
Views
3K
Chemistry For irreversible process from state 1 to 2, why can the system not be isolated for reversible process from 1 to 2?
Replies
2
Views
2K
How can an isolated system be defined and applied in different contexts?
Replies
1
Views
11K
Chemistry Entropy in isolated composite system for irreversible process
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Meaning of average pressure in statistical mechanics
Replies
1
Views
1K
A Decoherent Histories and Measurement
Replies
49
Views
5K
I [Stat Phy] What does exhausting the states of a system mean?
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Microstate, Macrostate, Probability
Replies
2
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top