Negative Probability: Is It Possible?

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of negative probability or negative energy photons. The first question, regarding negative probability, is deemed impossible due to the definition of probability. The second question, about negative energy photons, is a physics problem that is still being studied. In 1942, physicist Paul Dirac introduced the concept of negative energies and probabilities in his paper on the physical interpretation of quantum mechanics. This idea gained more attention in the field of physics, particularly in quantum mechanics. The conversation ends with the question of whether it is possible for a photon to have negative energies and probabilities.
  • #1
sairajagopal
5
0
Are there any negative probability or negative energy photons?
 
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  • #2
Those are two completely different problems. The first question "is there negative probability" is a math problem and easily answered- by the definition of "probability" a probability must be non-negative. The second question "are there negative energy photons" is a physics problem and I will leave that to a physicist to answer.
 
  • #3
the first one also related to physics, In 1942, Paul Dirac wrote a paper: "The Physical Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics" where he introduced the concept of negative energies and negative probabilities:

"Negative energies and probabilities should not be considered as nonsense. They are well-defined concepts mathematically, like a negative of money."
The idea of negative probabilities later got increased attention in physics and particularly in quantum mechanics

my question is whether there is a chance of negative energies and probabilities of a photon
 

1. What is negative probability?

Negative probability is a concept in mathematics and theoretical physics that suggests the possibility of an event having a negative chance of occurring. It is a controversial idea that challenges traditional notions of probability, which are always positive values between 0 and 1.

2. How can something have a negative probability?

The concept of negative probability is based on the idea that the laws of probability may not apply to all systems or situations. It suggests that there may be scenarios where an event has a higher chance of not occurring than of occurring, resulting in a negative probability value.

3. Is negative probability accepted in the scientific community?

No, negative probability is not widely accepted in the scientific community. It is a highly debated and controversial concept that has not been proven or observed in any real-world scenarios. Most scientists and mathematicians adhere to the traditional notion of probability as a positive value between 0 and 1.

4. What are some potential applications of negative probability?

Some theories suggest that negative probability could have applications in quantum mechanics and the study of complex systems. It has also been proposed as a way to model uncertain or unknown information in decision-making processes.

5. Are there any real-world examples of negative probability?

No, there are currently no known or observed examples of negative probability in the real world. It remains a theoretical concept that has not been verified by empirical evidence. However, some scientists continue to explore the possibility of its existence and potential applications.

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