Particles exist in multiple states until observed from "summary" of The Fabric of the Cosmos by Brian Greene
In the strange world of quantum mechanics, particles can exist in a curious state of limbo, where they seem to be in multiple states simultaneously. This bizarre phenomenon is known as superposition, and it challenges our everyday notions of reality. When a particle is not being observed, it can exist in a combination of different possible states, with each state having a certain probability of being observed when the particle is finally measured. This idea was famously illustrated by the thought experiment known as Schrödinger's cat. In this scenario, a cat is placed in a box with a vial of poison that will be released if a radioactive atom decays. According to quantum mechanics, until someone opens the box and observes the cat, it is in a superposition of being both alive and dead. Only when the box is opened does the cat "choose" one of these states, based on the outcome of the quantum measurement. This concept of superposition extends beyond just particles and cats. It applies to everything in the quantum realm, from atoms to molecules to larger objects. The implications of superposition are profound, suggesting that the very nature of reality is more complex and mysterious than we might have imagined. What's even more mind-boggling is that this superposition of states can be maintained over long distances, a phenomenon known as quantum entanglement. When two particles become entangled, their states become correlated in such a way that measuring one instantly determines the state of the other, no matter how far apart they are. This seemingly instantaneous connection between entangled particles defies our classical intuition of space and time. The implications of superposition and entanglement are still being explored by physicists today, as they delve deeper into the mysteries of the quantum world. These phenomena challenge our understanding of reality and push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. As we continue to unravel the fabric of the cosmos, we may uncover even more surprising and counterintuitive truths about the nature of the universe.
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