QM Humor: "Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the humorous interpretation of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle as presented in a comic. Participants explore the intersection of quantum mechanics and humor, sharing personal anecdotes and reactions to the comic while engaging in light-hearted banter about quantum concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Humor-related, Conceptual clarification, Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that the comic enhances their understanding of quantum theory, with one stating their comprehension increased significantly.
  • Several participants share personal reflections on the theme of "the talk," relating it to their experiences and feelings about quantum concepts.
  • One participant critiques the argument that quantum computing proves the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI), indicating a preference for a different explanation of quantum efficiency.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of probability in quantum mechanics, with some arguing that probability in QM is akin to regular probability, while others challenge the notion that QM represents a generalization of probability.
  • Participants engage in playful exchanges about imaginary numbers and their implications in quantum mechanics, with references to the naming conventions of mathematical concepts.
  • One participant humorously suggests that the Children's Services Division should be involved in discussions about how quantum mechanics is taught to children, reflecting on the absurdity of certain explanations.
  • There are mentions of a textbook being written on the subject, with some participants expressing a desire for more educational material in comic format.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features a mix of humor and technical commentary, with no clear consensus on the interpretations of quantum mechanics or the appropriateness of humor in discussing such topics. Multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of quantum theory and its teaching.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of understanding and interpretation of quantum mechanics, with some references to specific mathematical concepts and theories that may not be universally agreed upon.

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I was going to post this in the general discussion sub-forum (like the science jokes thread), but I think it's actually technical enough to be more appropriate here.

Today's SMBC (source: http://www.smbc-comics.com/comic/the-talk-4):

http://www.smbc-comics.com/comics/1481723478-20161214%20(1)%20(1).png
 
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I feel like my understanding of quantum theory just increased by a few hundred percent.
 
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I wish my mom had the "talk" with me at that age...
 
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It's so embarrassing when your parents catch you with your qubits hanging out.
 
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DrChinese said:
I wish my mom had the "talk" with me at that age...
Me too. I got really excited by it. :blushing:
 
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dlgoff said:
Me too. I got really excited by it. :blushing:
I would be more happy if a certain girl from neighborhood wanted to have such a talk with me. But no, she didn't want to indulge into serious stuff too early.
 
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Looking at that comic kind of interfere with my ignorance. But the odd that it was in a destructive way, had a really low amplitude ... in this multiverse anyway :cry:

Great stuff, thanks for posting !:biggrin:
 
I really like their take on why quantum computing is efficient. Never liked the "QC proves MWI" argument.
 
If the comedic vehicle in the skit is sexuality is "that talk" I don't want to think about an entangled state.
 
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  • #10
I certainly don't find humor and QM incompatible, but quantum flapdoodle is another matter. How many times have I heard that QM shows that probability theory is inadequate. Probability in QM is regular old probability, just like real numbers in QM are regular old real numbers. Probability amplitudes are not probabilities and imaginary numbers are not imaginary.
When mom said, "Yes! QM is just a certain generalization of probability." then the Children's Services Division should have been called for child abuse.
 
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  • #11
Zafa Pi said:
and imaginary numbers are not imaginary.
They are certainly no more imaginary than "real" number ... except for the "naming" part. "Dark" matter isn't dark either btw.

Zafa Pi said:
When mom said, "Yes! QM is just a certain generalization of probability." then the Children's Services Division should have been called for child abuse.
I think my sense of humor have failed me on this one.
 
  • #12
Zafa Pi said:
...the Children's Services Division should have been be called for child abuse.
Well, do it!... drag out the ol' quikfone and call 'em up.... :ok:
By all probabilities... the Children's Services Division should arrive just when she says...
mom said:
Yes! QM is just a certain generalization of probability.
Catch her right in the act....
lmao.gif
 
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  • #13
Boing3000 said:
They are certainly no more imaginary than "real" number ... except for the "naming" part.
How true. And how imaginary are the reals? Add the perfectly reasonable axiom of choice and along comes Tarski-Banach.
 
  • #14
OCR said:
Well, do it!... drag out the ol' quikfone and call 'em up.... :ok:
By all probabilities... the Children's Services Division should arrive just when she says...

Catch her right in the act....View attachment 110698
EPR-Telecom confiscated my quikfone for late charges I accumulated before I bought it.
 
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  • #15
Zafa Pi said:
EPR-Telecom confiscated my quikfone for late charges I accumulated before I bought it.
Well, I knew you were going to violate something, but I figured, although incorrectly, that in all probability... it must in some way, be connected to Bell...
 
  • #16
OCR said:
Well, do it!... drag out the ol' quikfone and call 'em up.... :ok:
Zafa Pi said:
EPR-Telecom confiscated my quikfone for late charges I accumulated before I bought it.

OCR said:
Well, I knew you were going to violate something, but I figured, although incorrectly, that in all probability... it must in some way, be connected to Bell...
I see what you did there. :woot::wink:

A bit of double entendre between Alexander Graham Bell and John Stewart Bell.
 
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  • #17
collinsmark said:
I see what you did there. :woot::wink:
I see that too... :oldwink:

And, also, I think Mr.Pi was let off the hooke rather gently... being EPR-Telecom, in all probability, is not local...?

It could have been much worse, such... the observable on this operator seems to imply... ?
 
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  • #18
That was actually fairly enlightening. They should write a whole textbook!
 
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  • #19
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  • #21
OCR said:
I see that too... :oldwink:

And, also, I think Mr.Pi was let off the hooke rather gently... being EPR-Telecom, in all probability, is not local...?

It could have been much worse, such... the observable on this operator seems to imply... ?
Tomlin, how nostalgic. As for QM and jokes here's a favorite http://xkcd.com/1591/
 
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