Science
Related: About this forumUltracold Experiment Could Solve One of Physics’s Biggest Contradictions
Theres a mysterious threshold thats predicted to exist beyond the limits of what we can see. Its called the quantum-classical transition.
If scientists were to find it, theyd be able to solve one of the most baffling questions in physics: why is it that a soccer ball or a ballet dancer both obey the Newtonian laws while the subatomic particles theyre made of behave according to quantum rules? Finding the bridge between the two could usher in a new era in physics.
We dont yet know how the transition from the quantum world to the classical one occurs, but a new experiment, detailed in Physical Review Letters, might give us the opportunity to learn more.
The experiment involves cooling a cloud of rubidium atoms to the point that they become virtually motionless. Theoretically, if a cloud of atoms becomes cold enough, the wave-like (quantum) nature of the individual atoms will start to expand and overlap with one another. Its sort of like circular ripples in a pond that, as they get bigger, merge to form one large ring. This phenomenon is more commonly known as a Bose-Einstein condensate, a state of matter in which subatomic particles are chilled to near absolute zero (0 Kelvin or ?273.15° C) and coalesce into a single quantum object. That quantum object is so big (compared to the individual atoms) that its almost macroscopicin other words, its encroaching on the classical world.
more
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/next/physics/ultracold-experiment-could-solve-one-of-physicss-biggest-contradictions/
longship
(40,416 posts)That this proves the brain is a quantum organ leading to woo-woo-land.
The idiot does not understand shit about quantum theory. Plus:
1. The brain is not a Bose-Einstein condensate.
2. It does not operate near 0 K.
But, R&K for some good science.
SoLeftIAmRight
(4,883 posts)If not, you might want to find out - just saying
longship
(40,416 posts)He is one smart mathematical physicist. Just as Chopra is one stupid woo peddler.
SoLeftIAmRight
(4,883 posts)The Emperor's New Mind?
Do not care about the messenger - I do care about the message. Penrose suggest a very similar possibility.
longship
(40,416 posts)I forgot about that book. In that case, I take back what I wrote above about Penrose. Let me just say that the extent to which he still believes what he wrote in that book is the extent that he is a kook, too.
Thankfully, neuroscience, physics, and technology have all advanced well beyond what Penrose wrote in the 1980's.
And Deepak Chopra is still a kook, as always.