Quantum physics & synchroization of 2 particles.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the synchronization of two particles in the context of quantum physics, particularly focusing on the implications of entanglement and the concept of faster-than-light influence. Participants explore theoretical scenarios involving the measurement of particle spins and the relationship to Einstein's theory of relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that if particle A is moved one light year away from particle B, flipping the spin of B should cause A's spin to flip simultaneously, suggesting a violation of the speed of light as a constant.
  • Another participant counters that moving faster than the speed of light is not necessarily in contradiction with relativity, referencing tachyons as a theoretical concept.
  • A different participant acknowledges the possibility of entangling spins of two particles, stating that measuring the spin of B determines the spin of A without implying faster-than-light influence, and emphasizes that flipping the spin of B destroys the entanglement rather than affecting A's spin.
  • One participant clarifies that the correct terminology is "entanglement" rather than "synchronize," and notes that no signal travels between the particles, thus nothing is moving faster than light.
  • Another participant reiterates that tachyons, while an interesting idea, have not been substantiated in nature, yet maintains that the concept of faster-than-light travel remains compatible with relativity despite potential issues with stability and causality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of quantum entanglement and the compatibility of faster-than-light concepts with relativity. There is no consensus on these points, and the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the need for precise definitions and the implications of measurement in quantum mechanics, as well as the theoretical nature of tachyons and their relationship to established physics principles.

davisbunch
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Ok, based on quantum physics, it is possible to synchronize 2 particles. If, theoretically, you fly particle A out 1 light year away, while leaving particle B on earth, by the understood laws, if you flip the spin of B, A's spin should simultaneously flip. This would violate Einstein concept of c (speed of light) as an inviolable constant. Please Explain.
 
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Tachyons were an interesting idea many years ago, but they have dead-ended, except in the context of condensation as mentioned in the Wikipedia article.

davisbunch, it is possible to entangle the spins of two particles. If you fly one particle out one light year, they will still be entangled. If you measure the spin of B, the spin of A is determined. This does not imply an influence can be propagated faster than light. On the other hand, if you flip the spin of B, you do not affect A's spin, rather you have destroyed the entanglement.
 
davisbunch said:
Ok, based on quantum physics, it is possible to synchronize 2 particles. If, theoretically, you fly particle A out 1 light year away, while leaving particle B on earth, by the understood laws, if you flip the spin of B, A's spin should simultaneously flip. This would violate Einstein concept of c (speed of light) as an inviolable constant. Please Explain.

First of all, you don't "flip" the spin. You measure one, and that automatically determines what the orientation of the other particle's spin is.

Secondly, nothing travels. There's no signal that goes from one particle to the other. So nothing is moving at faster than c that we know of.

Thirdly, it isn't "synchronize". It is called "entanglement". If you do a search on this forum, there's already tons of threads on such a discussion. You may, for example, want to start here:

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=492479

Zz.
 
Bill_K said:
Tachyons were an interesting idea many years ago, but they have dead-ended ...
Sure, but it is irritating how often one can see the claim that "faster than light is not compatible with relativity". It is compatible, period. Even if tachyons do not exist in nature, even if they lead to problems with stability and causality (which can be solved by reinterpreting the concept of "time"), even if ..., they are still compatible with relativity.
 

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