Would these (unrealistic) conditions imply gravitons existed?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the implications of hypothetical conditions on the existence of gravitons, particularly in the context of quantum state collapse and superposition. Participants explore the relationship between gravity, particle interactions, and quantum mechanics, with a focus on unrealistic scenarios such as a true vacuum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that if an uncharged massive particle's quantum state collapses in a true vacuum, it could imply the existence of gravitons, as there would be no other particle to interact with it.
  • Another participant counters that particles can remain in superposition despite the presence of gravity, implying that this could suggest gravitons do not exist or that gravity does not affect superposition.
  • A third participant points out that the concept of quantum state collapse is not universally accepted, referencing alternative interpretations of quantum mechanics, such as the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI), which do not involve collapse.
  • A later reply acknowledges the initial question's phrasing as poor and expresses a sense of confusion regarding the physics involved.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of quantum state collapse and the existence of gravitons, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes assumptions about the nature of quantum mechanics and the conditions under which particles interact, which may not be universally accepted or defined. The reliance on a true vacuum is also noted as an unrealistic assumption.

NotASmurf
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So quantum states collapse when observed, ie they are interacted with, if one had an uncharged massive particle, in a true vacuum (yes, this assumption is egregious, not your usual "ignore air resistance"), and the state of the aforementioned particle collapsed, would that imply gravitons did exist, because there would be no other particle to interact with it?
 
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Jumping into the deep end ...

Particles can be kept in a state of superposition in the midst of all our gravity. So if you are correct in your hypothesis then I think the same reasoning (inverted) might apply to say that gravitons do not exist.

Or that the presence of gravity does not disturb superposition.
 
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NotASmurf said:
quantum states collapse when observed, ie they are interacted with

Only on a collapse interpretation of QM. There are also no collapse interpretations, such as the MWI. "Collapse" is not something that is directly observed, so I don't think your question is well defined.
 
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You're 100% right, terribly phrased question on my part, I butchered physics like how engineers ruin math
 

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