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kdgloeckner
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"Randomness" in Quantum Physics
I am interested in whether "randomness" actually exists in physics. I'm not very familiar with the math involved, but I understand that some quantum theories (one in particular that was created by Richard Feynman that uses canceled infinities) and also the Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle with respects to observing particles which some people cite as being an example of the inherent randomness of our physical world.
But I am confused whether these examples, or others, signify actual, legitimate randomness in the physical universe. Are they just mathematical tricks, an indication that our physical theories are lacking or something more significant?
My question is, where does true randomness occur and are there restrictions to these random elements (that is, are the random values held only to natural number values, etc.)? Also, is it understood that this randomness signifies anything?
I am interested in whether "randomness" actually exists in physics. I'm not very familiar with the math involved, but I understand that some quantum theories (one in particular that was created by Richard Feynman that uses canceled infinities) and also the Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle with respects to observing particles which some people cite as being an example of the inherent randomness of our physical world.
But I am confused whether these examples, or others, signify actual, legitimate randomness in the physical universe. Are they just mathematical tricks, an indication that our physical theories are lacking or something more significant?
My question is, where does true randomness occur and are there restrictions to these random elements (that is, are the random values held only to natural number values, etc.)? Also, is it understood that this randomness signifies anything?
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