Quick question on the EPR paper

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a perceived inconsistency in the EPR paper by Podolsky, specifically regarding the treatment of a particle with a 'single degree of freedom' and its representation in a Cartesian coordinate system as presented in equation (6).

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether there is an inconsistency in Podolsky's use of a Cartesian coordinate system for a particle with a 'single degree of freedom.'
  • Another participant argues that equation (6) represents a single spatial dimension, indicating that it is appropriate for a single degree of freedom, and clarifies that x is a scalar quantity, not a vector.
  • A further reply suggests that Podolsky's frequent use of the term 'coordinate' implies he is indeed referring to Cartesian coordinates.
  • Another participant challenges the interpretation of 'Cartesian coordinate' by stating that it is one-dimensional.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether the use of a Cartesian coordinate system in the context of a single degree of freedom is inconsistent. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing interpretations.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definitions of 'coordinate' and the implications of dimensionality in the context of the paper.

Neo_Anderson
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In the following link below, consider page 2, paragraph 2 ("To illustrate the ideas involved..."). The author Podolsky considers a particle with a 'single degree of freedom.' Then in eq. (6), he shows a true cartesian coordinate system.

Isn't this an inconsistency with the paper?

And as you can see from the link, there's a speedy answer to the question...

http://www.drchinese.com/David/EPR.pdf
 
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Neo_Anderson said:
In the following link below, consider page 2, paragraph 2 ("To illustrate the ideas involved..."). The author Podolsky considers a particle with a 'single degree of freedom.' Then in eq. (6), he shows a true cartesian coordinate system.

Isn't this an inconsistency with the paper?

If so, I don't see it. Equation (6) is:
[tex]P(a,b) = \int^b_a\psi^*\psi dx[/tex]
That's a single spatial dimension there, x. A single degree of freedom. If it'd been a three dimensional space, you'd have had a volume integral.

x is a scalar quantity here, not a vector. Perhaps that's what has you confused?
 
alxm said:
If so, I don't see it. Equation (6) is:
[tex]P(a,b) = \int^b_a\psi^*\psi dx[/tex]
That's a single spatial dimension there, x. A single degree of freedom. If it'd been a three dimensional space, you'd have had a volume integral.

x is a scalar quantity here, not a vector. Perhaps that's what has you confused?

Well polosky was using the word 'coordinate' quite frequently in and around eq. (6), so I am guessing he was referring to the cartesian coordinate, no?
 
Neo_Anderson said:
Well polosky was using the word 'coordinate' quite frequently in and around eq. (6), so I am guessing he was referring to the cartesian coordinate, no?

What do you mean 'Cartesian coordinate'? It's one-dimensional.
 

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