Quantum mechanics (QM) is a mathematical theory that explains the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. Particles in the microworld can act as waves, and vice versa, leading to Heisenburg’s uncertainty principle. Some scientists disagree with QM, and the challenge is to unify it with Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Julian Barbour proposes that if time does not exist, unification is possible.
The term quantum mechanics (QM) generally refers to a mathematical formulation of quantum theory. It often describes and predicts the motion and behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. These include particles such as atoms, electrons, protons and photons. According to QM, the behavior and movement of particles at these microscopic levels are counterintuitive, radically different from anything observed in everyday life. This requires a theory like quantum mechanics to better explain this diverse world.
In the macroscopic world, there are usually two types of phenomena classified by scientists: particles and waves. Particles can be thought of as localized, carrying mass and energy in their motions. Waves are a type of phenomenon that is never localized and has no mass, but still carries energy. The particles of the microworld that are examined in quantum mechanics are different from those of the macroworld, because in certain situations the particles can act as waves, while conversely the waves can act as particles. According to QM, this would mean that at the quantum level an apple could behave like a wave, while a wave could behave like an apple.
Quantum mechanics uses the quantum unit to roughly assign and measure quantities of the physical properties of these particles. Particles are usually measured considering the wave function recorded at the time of measurement. However, because particles can behave like waves, the simultaneous position or velocity of a particle can never be fully determined.
This apparent conundrum is known as Heisenburg’s uncertainty principle, which in other words states that position and momentum cannot be measured exactly at the same time. This is not entirely because there are limitations in measurement equipment or capabilities, but because this uncertainty is thought to be inherent in the particles themselves. Quantum mechanics is therefore a mathematical theory that tries to calculate probabilities according to the wave function.
Many scientists disagree with the postulates of QM. Albert Einstein was a scientist who was sometimes critical of quantum theory, as he conflicted with his own theory of himself. Therefore, one of the major problems facing contemporary physics is to create a theory that unifies the ideas of quantum mechanics with those of Einstein’s general theory of relativity. Physicists such as Julian Barbour have proposed some innovative solutions to this problem, basically stating that if humans consider that time itself does not exist, there is no obstacle to the unification of quantum mechanics and the theory of relativity.
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