Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: DAYWBDB on 08/06/2009 20:29:26

Title: Single electron and infinite universes
Post by: DAYWBDB on 08/06/2009 20:29:26

Today, on Dr Karl, I heard that there is a single, unique electron in the universe.

I also heard that there are an infinite number of universes.

So, does each universe have its own electron or is it the same one in all of the universes?

Title: Single electron and infinite universes
Post by: JP on 09/06/2009 02:19:42

The single electron theory was something Feynman came up with as a description of quantum mechanics, but has since been somewhat discounted, since it can't explain why matter is more prevalent than antimatter.  (My source for this one is Wikipedia, since I haven't heard of this theory much in mainstream physics). 

You'll have to be more specific about the multiple universe theory, but the most common one is the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics.  This is another explanation of the weirdness of quantum mechanics, but it hasn't been discounted. 

Title: Single electron and infinite universes
Post by: Vern on 09/06/2009 02:20:38

I think this might come from a whimsical statement by Richard Feynman that the universe only consists of one electron. It travels forward in time as an electron and backward in time as a positron and we in the present only see the many passings of that one electron. I don't think it was ever a serious proposition.

Title: Single electron and infinite universes
Post by: Vern on 09/06/2009 02:21:59

Upstaged again. Oh well[:)]