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Quantum Mechanics I: Interpretations

Join Michigan Tech's PH4999 course to delve into the various interpretations of quantum mechanics, from Copenhagen to Many Worlds and more. Understand the complex concepts with minimal math but maximum insights. No textbook needed!

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Quantum Mechanics I: Interpretations

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  1. Quantum Mechanics I:Interpretations by Robert Nemiroff Michigan Technological University

  2. Physics X: About This Course • Pronounced "Fiziks Ecks" • Reviews the coolest concepts in physics • Being taught for credit at Michigan Tech • Michigan Tech course PH4999 • Aimed at upper level physics majors • Light on math, heavy on concepts • Anyone anywhere is welcome • No textbook required • Wikipedia, web links, and lectures only

  3. Uncertainty Principle:Interpretations There are MANY interpretations of quantum mechanics, but only a few will be reviewed here: • Copenhagen Interpretation • Many Worlds Interpretation • Ensemble Interpretation • Hidden Variables

  4. Uncertainty Principle:Copenhagen Interpretation • Most quoted interpretation convention. • No single statement defines it. • Defining properties sometimes unclear. • Systems described by wave function(s) • Wave functions are probabilistic • particles do not have an exact position • uncertainty principle always holds • Wave functions "collapse" when an observer makes a measurement

  5. Uncertainty Principle: Many Worlds Interpretation • Every possible quantum measurement outcome occurs • each outcome is realized in a different universe • these universes do not communicate • together, these universes compose a metaverse • No observer-triggered wave function collapse • therefore different from the Copenhagen interpretation • incorporates "decoherence" instead

  6. Uncertainty Principle: Ensemble Interpretation • QM wavefunctions only apply to particle ensembles • does not apply to individual particles • each particle in ensemble is "prepared" the same • supported, at times, by Einstein • avoids some single-particle philosophy debates • can attribute probability to classical ignorance, not QM indeterminancy

  7. Uncertainty Principle:Hidden Variables • Uncertainty caused by untracked complexity • Universe classical but influenced by unseen variables • not unlike matter before atoms discovered • Once endorsed by Einstein • Origin of "God does not play dice." phrase • Fundamentally different than standard QM uncertainty • universe completely deterministic • allows a "first mover" type God • Might demand faster than light communication • Bell realized HV makes different statistical predictions • QM found right, HV wrong by modern tests

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