# Mathematical Explanation of One partice in two place

Can you explain me mathematically one particle in many places.
Thanks

Staff Emeritus
2021 Award
No. Nobody can, because quantum mechanics does not predict this.

WannabeNewton and bhobba
How ?? I know that one particle can be many locations in quantum physics.

One particle is ever only measured in one location. Probability of where it can be measured is confined in QFT.

samalkhaiat
How ?? I know that one particle can be many locations in quantum physics.
Potentially (and that is important) the particle "can be in many locations" and this is know as the super-position principle $$| \Psi \rangle = \sum c_{ i } \ | x_{ i } \rangle .$$ Have you studied quantum mechanics?

Staff Emeritus
2021 Award
How ?? I know that one particle can be many locations in quantum physics.

Well, you know wrongly. QM does not say this. If you have studied QM, you would know this. If you haven't, isn't it better to learn from those who have?

Nugatory
Mentor
How ?? I know that one particle can be many locations in quantum physics.

You may have been told that, or have read it in some non-serious popularization, but it is just not true. It is a misconception that is handed down from one generation of non-scientists to another.

Staff Emeritus
2021 Award
Potentially (and that is important) the particle "can be in many locations" and this is know as the super-position principle $$| \Psi \rangle = \sum c_{ i } \ | x_{ i } \rangle .$$

I think this is likely to be confusing.

Nugatory
Mentor
Potentially (and that is important) the particle "can be in many locations" and this is know as the super-position principle $$| \Psi \rangle = \sum c_{ i } \ | x_{ i } \rangle .$$ Have you studied quantum mechanics?

I think this is likely to be confusing.
Ya think? :)

For the original poster: Note that samalkhait said the particle "can be" in many locations, not "is". There are many locations that it can be in, but we will always find it in exactly one of them.

Nugatory
Mentor
We can stop piling on now - the question has been answered.