Relative Time for Quantum Mechanics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of relative time in quantum mechanics, particularly in relation to Einstein's Twin Paradox and the behavior of subatomic particles. Participants explore the implications of time perception at different velocities and how this might relate to the quantum phenomenon of particles appearing in multiple locations simultaneously.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that the Twin Paradox could explain why a single subatomic particle appears to be in more than one place at the same time, proposing that time may seem to move differently for particles compared to larger objects.
  • Another participant counters that we do not actually see a particle in multiple locations, emphasizing that particles exist in one position eigenstate when observed.
  • There is a claim that the breakdown of time measurement at high speeds, as noted by Einstein, might also apply to smaller scales in quantum physics, suggesting that our perspective as larger observers could distort our understanding of smaller matter.
  • A participant questions the equivalence of time and probability, indicating confusion over this concept and its relevance to the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the application of the Twin Paradox to quantum mechanics, particularly about whether particles can be seen in multiple locations. The discussion remains unresolved, with differing interpretations of quantum behavior and the nature of time.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the relationship between time and probability, as well as the interpretation of quantum mechanics in relation to classical physics concepts. The discussion does not resolve these complexities.

torinmccabe
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Einsteins Twin Though Paradox: The twin on Earth watching his twin on the spaceship fly away at near light speed sees his twin moving very slow, and when the spaceship twin returns he is younger than his twin.

Can't this same paradox be applied to why we see the a single subatomic particle in more than one place at the same time?

Do we see time moving and spinning faster for particles (reverse of slower for things moving at near speed of light) giving the illusion that it is in more than one place at the same time just because of our perspective?
 
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torinmccabe said:
Can't this same paradox be applied to why we see the a single subatomic particle in more than one place at the same time?

We don't see that.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
We don't see that.

Isn't this fundamental of quantum physics that particles exist in many places at once as waves?

Einstein saw the measurement relative of time break down at the speed of light, I would guess that we are seeing the measurement of time (probability) break down as we look at smaller and smaller matter. Matter is not behaving strangely it is just our perspective is wrong in that we are large and it is small, like perspective of time traveling at different velocities.
 
torinmccabe said:
Isn't this fundamental of quantum physics that particles exist in many places at once as waves?

Einstein saw the measurement relative of time break down at the speed of light, I would guess that we are seeing the measurement of time (probability) break down as we look at smaller and smaller matter. Matter is not behaving strangely it is just our perspective is wrong in that we are large and it is small, like perspective of time traveling at different velocities.


When we observe a particle's position, we will always find it in one position eigenstate, never in more than one. Therefore, we never see a particle in two places at once.

The relative probability of finding the particle in anyone position eigenstate can be found from the wave function of the particle.

What do you mean by equating time and probability? That statement doesn't make any sense to me.
 

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