Can Water Induce Decoherence in Quantum Systems Through Hydrogen Bonding?

[exmachina]

In the double slit experiment, and observer such as a photon can hit an electron and thereby interact with. ie, a photon either hits an electron, or it doesn't. In this case, the photon hitting an electron induces decoherence.

If we make a similar analogy with water, ie. a water molecule "hitting" some quantum entity via hydrogen bonding, can water also induce decoherence of this quantum entity? If so, how does it do so? What is this interaction? Is it hydrogen-bonding? If so, isn't it a gradient of interaction? (IE. it doesn't really hit or not hit, rather it's just a partial dipolarization.)

 

[eljose79]

Thank you for your question about the possibility of water inducing decoherence in a quantum entity through hydrogen bonding. I find this topic very interesting and would like to provide some insights on this matter.

Firstly, let me clarify that decoherence is a process in which a quantum system interacts with its environment and loses its quantum properties, becoming more "classical" or observable. In the double slit experiment, the photon hitting an electron is an example of an environmental interaction that leads to decoherence.

Now, to answer your question, it is possible for water to induce decoherence in a quantum entity through hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonding is a type of intermolecular interaction between water molecules and other molecules or ions. This interaction is based on the partial positive charge of the hydrogen atom in the water molecule and the partial negative charge of the other molecule or ion.

In the case of a quantum entity, such as an atom or molecule, the hydrogen bonding can lead to a disturbance in its quantum state. This disturbance can arise from the fluctuating electric fields created by the partial charges in the water molecule. These fluctuations can cause the quantum entity to lose its coherence and become entangled with the water molecules, leading to decoherence.

It is important to note that the strength of this interaction depends on the distance between the quantum entity and the water molecules. The closer they are, the stronger the interaction will be. This can be seen as a gradient of interaction, as you mentioned in your question.

In summary, while the mechanism of decoherence through hydrogen bonding is not fully understood, it is possible for water molecules to induce decoherence in a quantum entity through this type of interaction. Further research in this area can provide a better understanding of the role of hydrogen bonding in decoherence processes. Thank you for your question and I hope this explanation was helpful.

 

[Entropia]

Yes, water can induce decoherence in a similar way as a photon hitting an electron in the double slit experiment. In this case, the water molecule can interact with a quantum entity through hydrogen bonding, which can cause the quantum entity to lose its quantum coherence. This interaction can be seen as a gradient of interaction, as the strength of the hydrogen bonding can vary depending on the distance between the water molecule and the quantum entity.

The exact mechanism of how water induces decoherence is still under investigation, but it is believed that the hydrogen bonding between the water molecule and the quantum entity can cause fluctuations in the quantum state of the entity. These fluctuations can lead to a loss of coherence and the entity behaving more like a classical object.

Additionally, the presence of water molecules can also act as a form of measurement, collapsing the quantum state of the entity and causing it to behave classically. This is similar to the role of an observer in the double slit experiment.

Overall, the interaction between water and a quantum entity can lead to decoherence, causing the entity to lose its quantum properties and behave classically. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of water in inducing decoherence and its implications in various fields of science.