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The Basics of Quantum Physics
The Main Theories Proposed by Quantum Physics
Author: Jason Randhawa
Even the basics of quantum physics can seem confusing at first. But, if you understand ancient metaphysical / spiritual teachings, you will be able to quickly absorb and understand the theories proposed by quantum physics. This article is more about the main ideas proposed by quantum physics, rather than the basics of quantum physics.
The ideas that quantum physics are revealing do not seem to be something that would come from science. Such things as:
Particles being in more than one place at once (a recent experiment found that one particle could be in up to 3,000 places!)
The same “object” may appear to be a particle (locatable in a single place), or a wave, spread out over space and time.
Subatomic particles seem to travel instantaneously over any expanse of space (even though Einstein said that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light)
In classical physics you could determine with certainty where it would go, given any set of conditions. But in quantum physics, you can never know with absolute certainty how a specific thing will turn out (deals with probabilities).
And this is just the beginning of the basics of quantum physics. I have included an in-depth view on the some of the most interesting, main ideas of quantum physics.
1. Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
The process of observing appears to influence what is being observed
The observer is necessary to observe and when they observe they bring the thing that is being observed from a state/wave of probability to a particle of experience
In order for physicists to comprehend the data, they need to focus on the observer, rather than the data
Subatomic particles do not have properties separate from our minds
The act of measurement is creating that very reality it is measuring
Every human being has the ability to observe and change subatomic reality
It’s not only that you cannot measure something without influencing “it”, it is only something until it is being observed.
2. Principle of Wave-Particle Duality
Subatomic particles appear to have a dual nature. Depending upon how we look at them, they can be a particle or a wave.
A particle is a solid object with a specific location in space and time. A wave, on the other hand, is not a solid or localized. Instead, a wave is spread out, like a wave in water.
When you are not observing or measuring electrons or photons (particles of light) act as waves. They have no precise location, but exist as “probability fields”. But, when you are observing or measuring, they become a particle. When you take these actions, the probability field “collapses” into a solid object locatable in a specific place and time.
3. Quantum Jump
When an electron moves from orbit to orbit around the nucleus, they don’t move through space the way we would think, instead they move instantaneously
They disappear from one place, one orbit, and appear in another
Scientists also discovered that they could not determine exactly where the electrons would appear, or when they would jump. The best they can do is formulate the probabilities through Schrödinger’s wave equation.
4. Parallel Universes
Quantum Physics speculates the possibility of a parallel universe, or even three to four. A few scientists even speculate an infinite number of parallel universes.
A parallel universe is basically a duplicate copy, but slightly different universe from this one
One theory is that there is a mirror universe and when you make a decision in this universe, an alternate `you' in the other universe makes the opposite decision
In each of these universes you, I, and all others who live, have lived, and will live are alive
We are composed of a large number of selves, scattered throughout these infinite parallel realities.
These are just the main ideas/ basics of quantum physics, which I feel are important and interesting. There is still much more to the basics of quantum physics, but by now you should have a good idea of what this remarkable science is all about. A great overview of the basics of quantum physics and how it contrasts with the old science (Newtonian Physics, which is the science you learned in school), is contained in the book
The Dancing Wu Li Masters by Gary Zukav:
“Dancing Lessons for Newtonian Physics:
Based on ordinary sense perceptions
Describes things, individual objects in space and their changes in time.
Assumes an objective reality “out there”
We can observe something without changing it.
Claims to be based on “absolute truth”; the way that nature really is “behind the scenes.”
Dancing Lessons for Quantum Mechanics:
Based on behavior of subatomic particles and systems not directly observable.
Describes statistical behavior of systems
Does not assume an objective reality apart from our experience
We cannot observe something without changing it
Claims only to correlate experience correctly"
So there you have it. If you enjoyed the contrast between classic physics and quantum physics, you can check out Gary Zukav’s wonderful book by clicking on the following link so you can learm more about the
basics of quantum physics.
By now, if you understand the basics of quantum physics, you are probably beginning to see how and why physics and metaphysics are about to merge. For more information on this you should check out another article I wrote, by clicking on the title, called:
Where Physics and Metaphysics Merge--Quantum Physics
© Jason Randhawa 2006
Jason is a metaphysician, who is a lifelong student and teacher of the philosophical study of Being and Knowing. To learn more about Jason and his teachings please visit his site at www.whatismetaphysics.com where you will have access to his full biography and hundreds of articles and resources to help you on your inner journey of self-discovery all for free!
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