Quantum entanglement leads to nonlocal correlations from "summary" of The Principles of Quantum Mechanics by P. A. M. Dirac
The concept of quantum entanglement is a fascinating aspect of quantum mechanics that defies classical intuition. When two or more particles become entangled, their properties become interconnected in such a way that the state of one particle instantly influences the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This phenomenon is often referred to as nonlocal correlations because the entangled particles exhibit a type of correlation that cannot be explained by classical physics. Quantum entanglement leads to nonlocal correlations because the entangled particles share a wavefunction that describes their combined state. This wavefunction encapsulates all possible states of the particles, including their position, momentum, and other properties. When a measurement is made on one of the entangled particles, the wavefunction collapses, instantaneously determining the state of the other particle, no matter how far apart they may be. This instantaneous influence between entangled particles has puzzled physicists for decades, as it seems to violate the principles of locality and causality. In classical physics, information cannot travel faster than the speed of light, so the idea that two particles can be instantaneously correlated regardless of distance challenges our understanding of how the universe operates. Despite the apparent nonlocality of quantum entanglement, the phenomenon has been experimentally verified through numerous tests and observations. The predictions of quantum mechanics regarding entanglement have been borne out time and time again, confirming that the strange correlations between entangled particles are indeed real and not simply a quirk of the theory.- The concept of quantum entanglement leading to nonlocal correlations represents a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics that distinguishes it from classical physics. The strange and counterintuitive nature of entanglement challenges our understanding of the universe and highlights the need for a new way of thinking about the fundamental principles of reality.
