Specific technical definitions of quantum terms

In summary, the conversation discusses the misunderstandings and misinterpretations surrounding terms used in quantum physics. It proposes the idea of having a page that explains these terms in a precise technical manner to avoid confusion. The conversation then delves into the differences between the pop culture and physicist interpretations of terms such as "observer," "measurement," "information," "erase," and the uncertainty principle. The physicist explains that the uncertainty principle is a fundamental limitation of our ability to measure and observe particles at the quantum level, and is not due to mysterious or magical properties.
  • #1
Thenewdeal38
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I feel that a lot of the misunderstaing in quantum physics arises from the misinterpretations of terms used by physicists. I think that the forum should have a page where all the quantum terms are explained in a precise technical manner to avoid confusion. I will state pop culture's interpretation of several terms and then a physicists interpretation of those terms in order to dispell several sudo misconseptions about QM. Correct me if I get anything wrong.

POP Culture
Observer: A "conscious" observer causes a wave function collapse because of his/her consciousness.

Physicist
Observer: A non conscious measuring device that forces electron photon physical interactions which cause a wave function collapse.

POP Culture
Measurement: The act of obtainning information about the physical world where measuring does not affect what is being measured.

Physicist
Measurement: The act of obtaining information through physical interactions where those physical measurement interactions will cause either a negligible effect on the particle being observed or will fundamentaly change an aspect of the particle through the interactive physical measurment process.

POP Culture
Information: A set of numerical data obtained either written down or saved on a hard drive about either postions and/or momentum of quantum particles that is separately stored in a diffrent place than the location of the measuring device.

Physicist
Information: The physical interactions between electrons and photons where the position and/ or momentum of quantum particles can be mathematicly determined due to the observable results of these interactions. Information is not stored separetly from the measuring device but is instead a "real time" gathering of quantum particle data. The data obtained about quantum particles after the measuring device is turned off is not considered "information".

POP Culture
Erase: Erasing(deleting) the "information" after it has been separated from the measuring device and stored in a diffrent location without affecting the measuring device in any manner. A process where by "erasing" the "information" in a separate space time location than that of the measuring device forces the interferance pattern to reamerge magically.

Physicist
Erase: The process of applying a photon polarizing filter in real time to a measuring device where it separates photon's from electrons after a interferance pattern has collapsed resulting in the reapperance of the interferance pattern.

POP Culture
Uncertainty Principle: Due to mysterious and magical properties one cannot measure an electrons positon without making it impossible to measure its momentum and vice versa.

Physicist
Uncertainty Principle: When an photon with a short wavelength and high energy level hits an electron it can tell the location of that electron but its interaction will change the momentum of the electron. Wheras when the wave length of the photon is extended it loses energy and does not effect the momentum of the electron reaveling its speed but because the photon is so "light" it "goes through the electron" depriving the observer of the electrons location. It is noted that this process is a repeated statistical culmination of data that involves more than a single electron being bombarded by photons and

"(that when a slit's width is reduced an explainable mechanical paradox occurs where instead of constraining an electrons quantum superpositions it in fact spreads the particles being detected that start expanding. In fact, the smaller you make the slit width, the larger the range of values for the electrons postion/momentum that you can detect. The "gaussian spread" now is becoming fatter and fatter forming a diffraction.)"?
 
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Physicist:
Uncertainty Principle: A fundamental principle in quantum mechanics that states that the more precisely one knows the position of a particle, the less precisely one can know its momentum, and vice versa. This is not due to mysterious or magical properties, but rather a fundamental limitation of our ability to measure and observe particles at the quantum level. It is not a result of the interaction of a photon with an electron, but rather a fundamental property of all quantum particles. The paradox mentioned is known as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle and is a result of the wave-like nature of particles at the quantum level. The smaller the slit width, the more the wave-like behavior of the particle is evident, leading to a wider range of values for its position and momentum.
 

1. What is a quantum term?

A quantum term refers to a specific term or concept used in quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy at a very small scale.

2. What is the difference between a classical term and a quantum term?

Classical terms refer to concepts and principles that are used to describe the behavior of large objects, while quantum terms are used to describe the behavior of particles at a subatomic level.

3. Can you provide an example of a specific quantum term?

One example of a quantum term is "superposition," which refers to the ability of a quantum particle to exist in multiple states at the same time.

4. How are quantum terms defined and measured?

Quantum terms are defined and measured using mathematical equations and principles, such as Schrödinger's equation and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

5. Why is it important to understand specific technical definitions of quantum terms?

Understanding specific technical definitions of quantum terms is important in order to accurately describe and predict the behavior of particles at a subatomic level, which has significant implications in various fields such as technology, medicine, and communications.

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