Relativity Theory and Quantum Theory

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship and potential incompatibility between Relativity Theory and Quantum Theory, exploring whether differences in their equations contribute to this issue. Participants also consider the implications of gravity as space-time curvature and the concept of gravitons within this context.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether the incompatibility between Relativity Theory and Quantum Theory arises from differences in their equations related to space-time manifolds.
  • Another participant asserts that there is no incompatibility, suggesting that multiple approaches to achieving compatibility exist, but the correct one is still unknown.
  • A participant introduces the idea that gravity in Relativity is due to space-time curvature and inquires how the concept of a graviton fits within this framework.
  • It is noted that general relativity and quantum theory must apply simultaneously in black holes, but they are considered incompatible in that context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the compatibility of Relativity Theory and Quantum Theory, with some asserting that they are incompatible in certain scenarios, while others believe compatibility can be achieved through various methods. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the nature of their relationship.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifics of the equations involved and the implications of gravity as space-time curvature, indicating a need for further exploration of these concepts.

Gear300
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Does the reason for the incompatibility between Relativity Theory and Quantum Theory lie in how Relativistic equations for the space-time manifolds taken on a differential scale differ from Quantum Theory's equations (I don't even know if they differ or if there are such equations...I'm only assuming)?

Edit: by any chance...am I just speaking nonsense? I only came across this question when reading on manifolds and assumed that Relativity Theory should compare to Quantum theory if space-time was zoomed to a differential scale.
 
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Gear, i think this question might do better in a different area like relativity or quantum theory.
 
I guess I'll re-post...thanks for the suggestion.
 
I moved this thread to S and GR, and deleted the other thread which had no replies yet.
 
atyy said:
There is no incompatibility between relativity and quantum theory. The problem is that there are many ways of getting the compatibility, and we don't know which one is correct.
http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/0311082
http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9512024

I see...so that is the case.

An additional question. I haven't studied Relativity in much depth, but by what I know, gravity in Relativity would be due to space-time curvature. I've also heard of work dealing with a particle of gravity (graviton), which seems to appear in more that than one theory...how would the concept of a particle fit in with space-time curvature?
 
There is one situation where gen. rel. and quantum theory have to apply at the same time, i.e. inside a black hole. Unfortunately they are incompatible there.
 
mathman said:
There is one situation where gen. rel. and quantum theory have to apply at the same time, i.e. inside a black hole. Unfortunately they are incompatible there.

Oh, I see...would the reason be because of what was mentioned in my opening post? Also, how would a particle of gravity relate to space-time curvature?
 

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