Transactional Interpretation question

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of an electron absorbing and emitting photons at different times, which could explain why it does not lose energy while orbiting a nucleus. However, the transactional interpretation of quantum events requires the waves to be "reflected" from outside the system, making it difficult to adapt to this idea. The idea of considering the past and future electrons as a valid emitter/absorber pair is also mentioned.
  • #1
fruitfly
3
0
In the transactional interpretation of quantum events, can the absorber and the emiter correspond to the same particle? Could an electron at time t1 for example, transfer a virtual photon to itself at time t2?

If this is the case, could this provide an explanation of why an electron does not lose energy as it orbits around an atomic nucleus? (by having the emited photons reabsorbed at future times).
 
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  • #2
The absorbers are to be in the remote past and future. I don't see how the formalism can be adapted to you suggestion. It is essential that the waves be "reflected" from outside the system.
 
  • #3
But couldn't we regard the electron of the past and the electron of the future as a valid emiter/absorber pair?
 

1. What is the Transactional Interpretation of quantum mechanics?

The Transactional Interpretation is a theoretical framework in quantum mechanics that postulates that all quantum events are the result of transactions between an advanced wave and a retarded wave, with the advanced wave carrying information from the future to the past.

2. How does the Transactional Interpretation differ from other interpretations of quantum mechanics?

The Transactional Interpretation differs from other interpretations, such as the Copenhagen Interpretation, in that it does not require the collapse of the wave function and instead sees quantum events as the result of these transactions between waves.

3. What evidence supports the Transactional Interpretation?

There is currently no direct empirical evidence for the Transactional Interpretation, as it is a theoretical framework. However, it has been shown to be mathematically consistent with the principles of quantum mechanics and has been used to make predictions in certain scenarios.

4. What are the implications of the Transactional Interpretation?

The Transactional Interpretation suggests that the future can influence the past, and that there is an interconnectedness between all events in the universe. It also challenges our traditional understanding of causality and the concept of time as a linear progression.

5. Is the Transactional Interpretation widely accepted in the scientific community?

The Transactional Interpretation is still a relatively new and controversial idea in the scientific community. While it has gained some support from physicists and philosophers, it is not widely accepted and is still a topic of ongoing debate and research.

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