Naked Science Forum
Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Jimbee on 24/12/2015 09:12:25
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I will be the first to admit, IANAScientist. But I think I understand quantum mechanics, to a small degree, at least. Take Schrödinger's cat. As I understand it, if you don't "measure" something (in quantum mechanics), it exists in its multiple states.
Now, take sleep. I already brought up what goes on in my attic, when I am not there. It was in another message board, I think. Now I wonder about something else: when I am asleep.
I was actually inspired to ask this question, by some very interesting dreams I have been having as of late. I often find myself off to far-off and exotic lands. Anyways, I am not really there. I am still asleep in my bed.
But if I am no longer observing things (hint-hint), does that rule of what happens in my attic (or any other place I, and other humans, aren't at the time) happen when I am asleep?
I think you can understand my question, or at least confusion, as to this apparent quantum mechanics rule.
Thanks in advance, to all who reply :)
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There appears to be an expectation here by you, that we are going to look for a different post, just to find out what you are talking about in this one.
This post on it's own makes no sense whatsoever.
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I don't fully understand your post either. Quantum physics teaches, that when you don't measure the phenomenon, it exists in all its different states. I am not a scientist, it's true. But that is how I understand it. I am apparently not allowed to post outside links. But you can see what I mean, if you do a search for "Schrödinger's cat", or look it up on Wikipedia.
As you can see, if you follow the link, Schrödinger's cat both alive and dead, before you open the box and see. My question is simply whether the same thing happens if you're asleep, since then you also wouldn't be observing phenomenon (in this case what is happening in your room) directly.
As I said, I am not a scientist. So I don't know all the technical terms involved. But I am familiar partly with the theory and what it seems to claim.
What part of my question don't you understand?
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I already brought up what goes on in my attic, when I am not there. It was in another message board, I think.
It was this I was referring to.
I am not familiar with " what goes on in my attic" or what it refers to.
But I now think I understand that you are comparing the sleep state, to Schrödinger's box full of indeterminate fur.
I think you are trying to say that until you open your eyes there is no way to tell if the room is as you last saw it or not.
At least thats what I think you are asking, although what the dreams have to do with anything still has me confused.
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I suspected the "what-goes-on-in-my-attic" was on another message board. I actually got a lot of interesting responses to it too. One guy said, according to Newtonian physics, absolutely nothing is going on in your attic, when you are not there. But according to quantum physics, just about everything (whatever that means--he didn't go into too much detail about what he meant). But I did get some interesting responses, as I said.
The dream part of my post has nothing do with quantum physics, BTW. I just included it for dramatic flair, nothing else:).
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An interesting thought experiment, but either in your attic or in your bedroom , I don't see Quantum Physics having anything to do with the situation when you are the observer.
Quantum Physics describes behaviors at the level of the very small but doesn't translate too well at the level of a human being.
I don't think you can successfully transfer uncertainty principle to an attic or a bedroom.
You have to rely on classical physics to describe those environments. In classical physics if you know all the variables you can make accurate predictions about the behavior of a system. Of course knowing all the variables may be beyond us at the moment but the theory still holds.
It is definitely a different set of rules that govern the world of the very small where you are basically forbidden from knowing all the variables. Where everything is a probability.
It drove Einstein mad all the way to his deathbed. He hated Quantum uncertainty.
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In my opinion, some thing is "measured" or "observed" when it bumps into something else that is more massive.
Not terribly romantic, I know.