Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the challenges and problems associated with uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity. Participants explore the difficulties in reconciling these two fundamental theories in physics, including the implications of their divergence and the ongoing research efforts aimed at achieving a unified framework.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity is not possible, questioning the basis for this claim.
  • Others argue that it is premature to declare it impossible, suggesting that the ongoing research in quantum gravity and related fields indicates that the challenge is significant but not insurmountable.
  • A participant highlights the distinction between the difficulties of merging general relativity (GR) and quantum mechanics (QM), suggesting that while it has not been achieved yet, it may be possible with further advancements in understanding.
  • One participant discusses the implications of the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics, contrasting it with the deterministic nature of general relativity.
  • There is mention of various theories, such as quantum field theory (QFT) and string theory, that are attempting to bridge the gap between GR and QM.
  • Participants express uncertainty about the terminology and concepts involved, seeking clarification on terms like QFT and special relativity (SR).

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity is possible. There are competing views on the nature of the challenges involved, with some asserting impossibility and others advocating for the potential of future breakthroughs.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the discussion is complex, with unresolved mathematical and conceptual issues related to the integration of GR and QM. The conversation reflects ongoing debates in the field without definitive conclusions.

Bjarne
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Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity is not possible.
What are the problems / challenge?
 
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Bjarne said:
Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity is not possible.
What are the problems / challenge?

How do you know it is not possible? If you have solid evidence, you should publish it to stop all of the people currently working towards that end.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
How do you know it is not possible? If you have solid evidence, you should publish it to stop all of the people currently working towards that end.

Zz.


I think he's trying to ask why it's not possible?
 
Quark1005 is right

Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity (have so fare not been possible)
- what is the problem(s) / challenge
 
Bjarne said:
Quark1005 is right

Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity (have so fare not been possible)
- what is the problem(s) / challenge

But we don't know YET if it is not possible! If it is not possible, we would have stopped looking into it. We have no evidence that it is not possible.

I think there are several threads in the Beyond The Standard Model forum that have discussed several issues on why and how these two theories diverge from each other. The whole research field on quantum gravity, loop quantum gravity, and even string, are the ones trying to merge GR and QM, or more specifically, with QFT (note that SR is already well-incorporated into QM, so it is misleading to think that all of Relativity is incompatible with QM). If we already know it is impossible, they would have stopped already.

What you should have asked is why it is DIFFICULT (not "not possible"), for GR and QM to be compatible with each other.

Edit: There's even a current thread with a discussion on this. You should continue this there.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=245316

Zz.
 
Last edited:
ZapperZ


It has so fare not been possible because it have been too difficult.
One day (when we get more holistic knowledge) it is maybe easy (not difficult) but possible.

GR = Gravity
QM = Quantum Mechanics
What does QFT and SR means?
 
(at first sorry for my bad english)
in GR and SR we can easlily measure the position,velocity mass,...
of a body in a 4 dimensional place called spacetime
and as we know that the large bodies curved the spacetime
by gravitational waves, and these waves composed from gravitons
and we can easily measure the position and other things at the same time
but in Quantum Theory we cannot measure the momentum and the place of
a body at the same time and correctly 100%...(Uncertainty Principle)
other thing: GR describing gravitational force and Quantum theory describing
other forces as weak/strong forces and electromagnetic force...
and the electromagnetic force stornger than gravitational force about millions times...
so it's hard to unit these forces but maybe not possible
 
Bjarne said:
ZapperZ


It has so fare not been possible because it have been too difficult.
One day (when we get more holistic knowledge) it is maybe easy (not difficult) but possible.

GR = Gravity
QM = Quantum Mechanics
What does QFT and SR means?

GR = General Relativity
SR = Special Relativity
QFT = Quantum Field Theory.

Please continue this in the thread that I've linked. This thread is closed or else there will be way too many parallel threads on the same topic.

Zz.
 

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