Quantum mechanics represents a real breakthrough in science, allowing scientists to explain many phenomena at the level of atoms and subatomic particles. And it is not at all surprising that such a dynamically developing field of knowledge has had a huge impact on the modern image of reality. You can verify this by looking at 17 examples of how quantum mechanics has changed and continues to change our view of the universe.
1. The universe can be a hologram
One of the interpretations of the model of the world, conditioned by the postulates of quantum mechanics, is the idea that our three-dimensional universe is just a hologram. Researchers at the German-British Observatory report the likely detection of small ripples in space-time, which could provide evidence for the theory of quantum pixelization.
2. As technology improves, innovation is becoming less accurate
Along with advances in the field of technological developments, the need for their accuracy naturally grows. The error of various devices, such as clocks and thermometers, can be attributed to the phenomenon of quantum noise. This noise prevents perfect measurements from being obtained. However, by eliminating this interference, you can create a technique with maximum accuracy of indicators, similar to atomic clocks or quantum thermometers.
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3. The light can be controlled and concentrated to perform various functions
Oddly enough, the laser, the discovery of which became possible thanks to quantum mechanics, was once considered a subject of no practical importance. However, contrary to this belief, the development of the scope of this technology has ensured the emergence of a variety of inventions, from the CD player to missile defense systems.
4. Randomness can be calculated and predicted
According to scientists, from the standpoint of quantum mechanics, nothing can be truly random. Having comprehensive information about the movement of the dice, they would be able to accurately simulate the roll of the die and predict its outcome in advance. By creating quantum noise and measuring its levels, random numbers can be generated that can be used to encrypt data.
5. Objects behave differently when measured
The Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics assumes that particles change their behavior during the act of measurement. According to this concept, particles have different states, but at the moment of observing them, they are forced to take one of them. This may sound strange, but this interpretation is supported by the mathematical concept of wave function collapse.
6. There is more than one universe
The concept of the Multiverse, or the existence of a plurality of all possible realities, is also the product of various interpretations of quantum physics. This can be proved by data from orbiting observatories that observe the residual phenomena of the Big Bang, as well as mathematical models that imply a cyclic universe.
7. There are many more dimensions
String theory, born of quantum mechanics, in turn gave rise to speculations about the likelihood (or lack thereof) of multiple dimensions. According to researchers, the Universe contains at least 11 dimensions, which, apparently, appear not only possible, but also a necessary condition for the functioning of string theory.
8. Geometry of a Gem as a New Look at the Concept of Quantum Physics
Physicists discovered a geometric object similar in shape to a multifaceted gem. The find dramatically simplifies the calculations of particle interactions and challenges the classical scientific understanding of space and time as the main components of reality.
9. Revolutionary Modes of Transportation May Be Found
This is no longer the subject of purely science fiction: matter can be disassembled into particles that, after being transported, will be able to restore their former appearance again. This became possible in experiments on the transfer of data, as well as large molecules, but the application of such technology to humans in the near future is not yet considered. Today it is possible to scan every molecule in the human body and assemble it in another place, but, according to the postulates of quantum physics, the object changes under the influence of such actions. Thus, an exact copy of the object being moved cannot be reproduced.
10. Electricity can be used in medicine
Scientists have recently discovered tiny semiconductor crystals that can become the basis for a breakthrough in the field of medicine in the near future. These quantum dots are believed to glow when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. If so, they may be attached to cancer cells in order to localize and destroy the latter.
11. There is a particle that gives mass to even the smallest forms of matter
Scientists believe that the Higgs boson, also known as the "divine particle," is capable of imparting mass to certain fundamental particles such as electrons and gluons. By discovering and isolating the Higgs boson, researchers would be able to understand how matter can be balanced with antimatter and what actually happened to the universe after the Big Bang.
12. Light can help recognize hacker activities
In order to protect sensitive information from the threat of outside interference, quantum cryptography has developed a method of encoding data inside individual particles of light or photons. The secret of the method lies in the presence of a "key" consisting of zeros and ones, which allows the program to detect the hacker's presence in real time, while he tries to reveal classified data.
13. Computers can run faster than any digital device currently in existence
The development of quantum computers is an applied field of quantum mechanics that can revolutionize computing. Compared to digital computers, which encode data in a binary system, quantum computers use quantum properties to store data and perform operations, with the result that computations and algorithms can be performed much faster.
14. The phenomenon of quantum tunneling can be used in relation to modern gadgets
In quantum mechanics, quantum tunneling is described as the process of a particle penetrating through a barrier that it is normally unable to overcome. This phenomenon is essential for the operation of various devices, such as switches, flash memory chips and USB drives.
15. Liquids can defy gravity
Some large systems are capable of exhibiting the effects of quantum mechanics, such as the phenomenon of superfluidity. It is a state of matter in which it acts like a liquid with zero viscosity, which allows it to self-propel itself regardless of gravity. Under current conditions, this effect has found the greatest application in the creation of modern refrigerators and the development of spectroscopy.
16. Air turbulence can be adjusted
Brazilian scientists have begun work on creating quantum turbulence in extremely cold conditions inside a laboratory chamber filled with gas. Studying turbulence in a controlled environment may ultimately lead scientists to a way to manage it. Thus, the problem of aircraft instability during flight may be solved.
17. People can travel back and forth in time
Research in quantum mechanics has provided the conditions for experiments regarding the possibility of travel from our world to alternative time and space. Based on the results of experiments carried out in 2010, scientists were able to determine how an isolated piece of metal is able to move and at the same time stand. This is due to the ability of quantum particles to move back and forth across the time continuum. This feature can probably lead science to create ways of time travel in the near future.
Author: Katrin Straszewski