Quantum Mechanics and Complementarity
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What is Quantum Entanglement? Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon that occurs when a pair Complementarity or group of particles interact causing them to be in a state of Objects have certain pairs of complementary properties which Entanglement dependent effect with each other and, in a sense, the particles tie cannot all be observed or measured simultaneously. Niels Bohr themselves together. Suppose a pair of entangled particles are Anne Archer, Brennan Larsen, Brynnley Ward, Jake Truman argued that it is not possible for objects governed by quantum placed with one on the top of a mountain and the other on the mechanics to have natural and untainted properties while being bottom of the mountain these particles will stay entangled measured. The properties that are measured have been proven to regardless of the distance. Now, if a measurement is taken of any be dependent on the method of measuring them. This has proven quality of one of the particles then the other particle will match by to be true with the Kochen-Specker Theorem. Measurement of having an opposite value. The measurement of one particle will the angular momentum and the position can not be taken at the affect the other. Nothing has been found that actually connects same time, this goes for waves and quantum mechanics. Both the the two particles but yet the measurement of one somehow speed and position of a particle (which in quantum mechanics is a affects the other and the effect happens instantly. Traditional wave) cannot be measured at the same time. When two particles physics deals with absolute truths and certainty about the way are entangled and spin is measured the two particles will have things work. This is much different than quantum physics. opposite matching results. With the measurement of one particle Quantum physics deals much more with probability that things will the other can be determined because of correlation between the happen or act in a certain way. While the quantum world can be two. Einstein’s problem with this was that it violates the law of very strange and bazaar, especially when people are used to relativity because there seems to be an exchange of information traditional physics, there are many exciting and new possibilities that travels faster than the speed of light. But this is disputed by The History that come from understanding quantum physics. the theory of quantum entanglement and complementarity. For thousands of years scholars theorized about the quantum level. They tried to understand what particles are and how they act but much of it was just theory. It wasn’t until the early 1900’s that the foundation for quantum mechanics and likewise quantum entanglement would be established. How is Quantum Entanglement ● The EPR Paradox Kickoff Applicapicle? ○ Published in the 1930’s ○ A discussion between Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, ● Supercomputers and Nathan Rosen that sparked a lot of discussion One of the more practical uses of quantum entanglement that ○ It was an attempt to disprove the quantum world by interests many people is supercomputers. While there are still using the principle of locality many challenges that need to be overcome before quantum ● Erwin Schrodinger’s Work computers become realistic, steps towards this are being taken ○ Nobel Prize in 1933 Spin is the The measured angular momentum and position in every day. Typical computers use 0’s and 1’s to convey information ○ Furthered the work by discussing and defining the but with a quantum computer it would use 0’s, 1’s and could be concept of entanglement. space. This was originally accepted as an electron spinning on its ○ Published an equation that forms a foundation and own axis but was brought into question by it possibly acting as a both at the same time. This would allow for incredibly fast helps define the qualities of quantum mechanics magnet might. This is an ambiguous term that seems almost computing on some of the most complex problems. ● John Bell’s Work impossible to explain the existence of electrons. The theory of an ● Photosynthesis ○ Published the Bell’s Theorem in 1960’s electron being a “point in space”’ or a “ball” of energy that originally It has been suggested that quantum entanglement occurs ○ Proved that local hidden variables are not sufficient to was one clean wave that has been interfered by other waves. Thus naturally in photosynthesis and without entanglement produce quantum mechanics it turned into a point of energy that produces an energy that photosynthesis can not be fully explained. It is suggested that ○ Proved that quantum entanglement can occur over produces a state of “spin.” Basically spin is a complex term but is entanglement happens between the light that is being transmitted large distances. accepted as angular momentum. and the plants where the energy is absorbed. Understanding this These men and many others were instrumental in helping could, in the future, lead to many more advancements. scientists understand and push the boundaries of quantum entanglement..