On 21/03/2005, at 3:23 PM, Erik Reuter wrote:
* Dan Minette ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) wrote:
In reletivistic quantum mechanics, this is stated as "Spacelike operators
must commute." So, going back to our example of two spin 1/2 particles in
a spin zero state, if we have call the operator for measuring the spin of
particle 1: A and the operator for measuring the spin of particle 2: B, we
find that if we perform A then B on the wavefunction BA(|+-> +
|-+>)/sqrt(2) one gets |+-> half of the time and |-+> half of the time.
(the operator closest to the ket (which is what |>s are called) operates
first. If we perform B then A, we obtain exactly the same results. There
is no difference in the results if you perform A then B or B then A. So,
the operators do commute.
I have my doubts whether anyone who hasn't taken quantum mechanics could
follow that paragraph. But I imagine serious quantum-less people could
follow the rest of the post. Except that no one said anything...hmmmm
I'll say anything then. Seemed clear enough to me.
All of these hits are basically non-lethal. It was still possible in the
'50s and early '60s to consider his hidden variable theory something that
would be a theory of real observables once we probed a bit deeper. But,
there was a big development in the mid-60s that eliminated hidden variable
theories from serious consideration. That will be in the next installment.
Ah, EPR coming? Are you saving these for your forthcoming _Physics for Poets_ book?
Hardly seems likely. Dan is from the famous "shut up and calculate" school after all. More likely to be titled _Physics for Non-Metaphysicians_?
Regards, Ray.
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