What if the H constant was larger?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of a larger Planck constant (H) on the behavior of macroscopic objects, exploring potential effects such as superposition and interference in everyday scenarios, like skiing near a tree. Participants are asked to enumerate possible behaviors or effects resulting from this hypothetical change.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire whether "H" refers to the Hubble constant or Planck's constant, clarifying that it is indeed the Planck constant.
  • One participant suggests that if the Planck constant were larger, it could lead to macroscopic objects behaving in a way that allows for interference patterns, potentially affecting trajectories in scenarios like skiing.
  • Another participant argues that changing the Planck constant does not alter physical meaning but rather changes measurement units, implying that a larger value would lead to observing smaller objects where quantum effects are more pronounced.
  • It is proposed that in fundamental physics, where constants like c and h are normalized to 1, the implications of a larger Planck constant would be negligible in practical terms, as the smallness of h is tied to the scale of systems necessary for intelligent life.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of a larger Planck constant, with no consensus reached on how it would affect macroscopic behavior or the nature of physical reality.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the definitions of macroscopic versus microscopic and the specific effects of quantum mechanics on larger scales. The discussion also highlights the dependence on measurement units and the theoretical nature of the scenario.

Varon
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If H constant were larger, how would macroscopic object behave? Can we see any superposition or feel it for example interfering with yourself when you are skiing and there is a tree in front of you? Pls. enumerate the possible behavior or effects of macroscopic objects if H were larger. Thanks.
 
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By H you mean the Hubble constant? Or you mean Planck's constant (usually little h)?
 
Matterwave said:
By H you mean the Hubble constant? Or you mean Planck's constant (usually little h)?

Planck constant... so it's small letter h. But when used in a message title.. it changed to capital H.
 
Varon said:
If H constant were larger, how would macroscopic object behave? Can we see any superposition or feel it for example interfering with yourself when you are skiing and there is a tree in front of you? Pls. enumerate the possible behavior or effects of macroscopic objects if H were larger. Thanks.

In my opinion

you would either hit the tree or pass by the left or the right of it,

However...

your wave would split in two and effect your trajectory...in such a way to form a crude/vague interference pattern...if there were a screen (say a cotton filled large mattress(es)) farther down the tree

this happens even in today's universe, the effect is so minor that we cannot even measure it.
 
The Planck constant has no physical meaning at all. Changing its value is equivalent to changing measurement units. So if it was "larger", it would mean that you are using smaller distance/time unit or smaller energy/momentum unit. So, basically, you are watching smaller objects. Your definition of "macroscopic" embraces smaller things.

For smaller objects, the wavelength of matter waves is bigger compared to your observation scale, so quantum effects are stronger. That's it.
 
Most fundamental physics is done in fundamental units, where c and h are taken to be 1 (actually h-bar is taken to be 1). Thus, nothing would change. It would only be in the fantastical situation where we could actually COMPARE two universes where we would notice the difference. The "smallness" of h in our everyday units of energy isn't an artifact of our universe having a small h. It's due to the fact that a system must be so large and so removed from quantum effects in order for intelligent life to occur. This is the case for us at least, I don't think one could say this NEEDS to happen.
 

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