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To: djf; gomaaa
I know I will be scorned for saying it, but I think physics needs a new paradigm. They are up against a brick wall. Cracks are appearing in Einsteins work. Locality has been relegated to the dust heap.

If you are referring to the phenomenon of quantum entanglement (I assume you are), it's important to point out that one of the biggest misconceptions about it (which I've even see a few physicists fall into) is that the implied 'action-at-a-distance' somehow implies a violation of relativity. It simply doesn't. (This question has been explored extensively.)

It's very complicated, but it comes down to the fact that nothing of substance, i.e. no energy, matter or information, is actually transmitted between two extended points faster than light, ever*. What does extend instantaneously over the range is the non-physical mathematical entity of the wave-function (which is really just our own non-real tool of convenience for describing what's going on).

I do believe you (djf) are correct that there is a major paradigm shift occurring in our understanding of quantum mechanics, but not quite in the way you're describing it here (i.e. relativity isn't about to go anywhere).

*Never say never, I know, but aside from some esoteric mathematical constructs involving highly hypothetical situations with cosmic strings, wormholes, etc., we know of no situation where it's possible.

135 posted on 03/24/2006 9:18:21 AM PST by Quark2005 (Confidence follows from consilience.)
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To: Quark2005; djf
If you are referring to the phenomenon of quantum entanglement (I assume you are), it's important to point out that one of the biggest misconceptions about it (which I've even see a few physicists fall into) is that the implied 'action-at-a-distance' somehow implies a violation of relativity. It simply doesn't. (This question has been explored extensively.)

I LOVE this stuff! I had to do a report on the EPR paradox as an undergrad and it was one of the things that made me love physics enough to seek a career in it.

Just an extension on your explanation: I've also heard an analogy drawn to the movement of a shadow or a point of light from a laser pointer. If you shine a laser onto the moon, then change the angle of the laser quickly enough, you can make it appear as though the laser 'dot' is moving faster than the speed of light. However, there is no real 'thing' that is actually moving. The photons from the laser obey the rules and there is no transfer of energy, momentum, or information that exceeds the speed of light. Even if you were to have observers at points 'A' and 'B' on the moon and move the laser between them, there would be no way to confirm that the dot had 'traveled' without having the observers compare notes and agree that they had both observed the laser. This comparison must be done at normal speeds.

Oh! And don't forget tachyons! Everybody loves tachyons!
138 posted on 03/24/2006 10:15:42 AM PST by gomaaa (We love Green Functions!!!!)
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