Quantum Physics United with non quantum Physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential unification of quantum physics and classical (non-quantum) physics, particularly in the context of string theory. Participants explore the challenges and controversies associated with this unification, as well as implications for understanding both theories and their applications in areas like nanotechnology.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether it is possible to unite quantum physics and classical physics, suggesting that this may explain the controversies surrounding string theory.
  • Another participant challenges this notion, pointing out that high quantum numbers in quantum simple harmonic oscillators (SHO) approach classical predictions, implying a connection between the two theories.
  • Decoherence is mentioned as a phenomenon that allows classical scenarios to emerge from quantum mechanics, indicating that classical and quantum realms may not be as separate as suggested.
  • A different viewpoint raises concerns about the ambiguity in transitioning between quantum and classical physics, particularly at small scales, and questions the existence of a clear cutoff distance for this transition.
  • Recent experimental achievements in observing quantum effects in larger systems, such as molecules with hundreds of atoms, are noted, prompting questions about the implications for the unification of theories.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of uniting quantum and classical physics, with some asserting that connections exist while others remain skeptical. The discussion does not reach a consensus on the matter.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight limitations in understanding the transition between quantum and classical physics, including the lack of a specific size or distance at which one theory becomes applicable over the other. There are also references to ongoing research and experimental results that may influence this understanding.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring the foundations of quantum mechanics, string theory, and the implications of these theories in practical applications such as nanotechnology.

evanallmighty
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Could it be that there is no way to unite quantum physics and (non quantum) physics, could that be why there has been so many problems and controversy over string theory?

This would just help me understand string theory more and possibly help out my "pet theory"

_ev
 
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evanallmighty said:
Could it be that there is no way to unite quantum physics and (non quantum) physics, could that be why there has been so many problems and controversy over string theory?

This would just help me understand string theory more and possibly help out my "pet theory"

_ev

Er.. what makes you think there's no way to "unite" them? Have you ever even studied QM formally? Look at the quantum SHO, and solve it for very high quantum number "n". Doesn't that begin to approach the classical limit as far as where the particle is predicted to be?

Furthermore, it appears as if you've never heard of decoherence before, or visited our "Recent Noteworthy Paper", where several papers have been highlighted that showed how classical scenarios can be obtained out of quantum mechanical starting points.

"Pet theory" is awfully full of holes when one is ignorant of the subject matter.

Zz.
 
Then you are left with a murky problem as you start getting down to small sizes of when you need to use quantum mechanics. There is a whole pile of things in nanotechnology that require both calculations at different points.

This means both theories are wrong or they break down at this level there is no specific size we switch from one to the other.

In 2007 scientists entangled atoms 1m apart.
Last record I saw had 14 calcium atoms this year
We have recorded quantum effects in a molecule of 400 atoms April this year that's about the size of an insulin molecule (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110405151213.htm)

Thats all starting to get quite large ... so what's your random cutoff distance and why?
 
thanks ZapperZ and Uglybb, I am just wondering more on string theory, as I have not really studied it closely.
 

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