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Quantum mechanics and parallel worlds

Quantum mechanics is one of the main fields of physics, studying the behavior of the micro world – atoms, electrons, photons, and other subatomic particles. This theory has revealed many unexpected and paradoxical phenomena that challenge our traditional understanding of reality. One of the most intriguing interpretations of quantum mechanics is the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI), which claims that every quantum event creates new, parallel universes.

In this article, we will delve into the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI), examine its origins, main ideas, and how it proposes the existence of parallel worlds. We will also discuss the philosophical and scientific implications of this interpretation.

Fundamentals of quantum mechanics

Before discussing the MWI, it is important to understand some basic concepts of quantum mechanics:

  • Wave function: A mathematical function describing the state of a quantum system. It provides probabilities of finding a particle in a certain place or state.
  • Superposition: A quantum system can exist in a superposition of multiple states until a measurement is made.
  • Wave function collapse: In the traditional interpretation of quantum mechanics, when a measurement is performed, the wave function "collapses" to a single specific state.

These principles lead to paradoxes and questions about the nature of reality, as quantum systems seem to behave differently from macroscopic objects.

Origin of the Many-Worlds Interpretation

MWI was proposed in 1957 by American physicist Hugh Everett III to solve problems related to the concept of wave function collapse. The traditional Copenhagen interpretation states that the wave function collapses only when a measurement is made, but this raises the question of what causes this collapse and what role the observer plays.

Everett's proposal was radical: instead of the wave function collapsing, he argued that all possible quantum states exist in reality, but in different "worlds" or "branches." This means that every quantum event creates a branching of the universe into multiple parallel worlds where all possible outcomes occur.

Key principles of MWI

  1. Universality of the wave function: The wave function describes not only quantum systems but the entire universe. It never collapses.
  2. Deterministic nature: Although quantum mechanics is probabilistic, MWI provides a deterministic view of the world because all possibilities are realized.
  3. Parallel worlds: Every possible outcome of a quantum event exists in its own separate branch of the universe.
  4. Non-interaction: These branches or worlds do not interact with each other after branching, so we cannot observe the existence of other worlds.

Example: Schrödinger's cat

One of the most famous quantum mechanics thought experiments is Schrödinger's cat. In this experiment, a cat is enclosed in a box with a quantum mechanism that has a 50% chance of killing the cat within an hour. According to the principle of quantum superposition, after an hour the cat is both alive and dead until we open the box and check.

According to MWI, when the system reaches this superposition state, the universe branches into two parallel worlds:

  • In one world, the observer opens the box and finds a live cat.
  • In another world, the observer finds a dead cat.

Both of these realities exist simultaneously, and neither is more "real" than the other.

Philosophical implications

Nature of reality

The MWI challenges our traditional perception of reality by asserting that there are countless parallel worlds. This raises questions about:

  • What existence means: If all possibilities are realized, do our choices have meaning?
  • Personal identity: If there are countless versions of us, who are we really?
  • Free will: Are we merely observing one of many outcomes, rather than actively choosing?

Ethical implications

If every possible action is realized in another world, this may raise ethical questions:

  • Responsibility for actions: Are we responsible for actions that occur in other universes?
  • Moral significance: If bad actions occur elsewhere, does the importance of our good actions diminish?

Scientific discussions

Arguments for MWI

  • Mathematical simplicity: MWI removes the need for wave function collapse, making quantum mechanics mathematically more consistent.
  • Universality: Uniform application of quantum mechanics at both micro and macro levels.

Arguments against MWI

  • Lack of empirical verification: We cannot directly observe other worlds, so the theory remains untestable.
  • Ontological excess: The theory requires the existence of an infinite number of universes, which some see as an unnecessary complication.

Alternative interpretations

  • Copenhagen interpretation: The traditional interpretation where the wave function collapses upon measurement.
  • De Broglie-Bohm theory: Proposes the existence of hidden variables that determine the outcomes of quantum events.

Contemporary research and development

MWI continues to be developed and examined in contemporary research:

  • Quantum information: Some researchers explore the implications of MWI for the operation of quantum computers.
  • Cosmology: MWI can be linked to multiverse theories, offering a broader understanding of the universe.
  • Experimental tests: Although direct verification of MWI is impossible, some experiments aim to test theories that may indirectly support or refute MWI.

The Many-Worlds Interpretation offers a radical understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of reality. While it raises many philosophical and scientific questions, MWI provides a consistent and mathematically simple explanation of quantum phenomena without wave function collapse.

The study of this interpretation not only deepens our understanding of quantum mechanics but also invites us to rethink fundamental questions about existence, identity, and free will. Although much remains unanswered, the MWI remains an important and influential interpretation of quantum physics, encouraging further discussions and research.

Recommended literature:

  1. Hugh Everett III, "Relative State Formulation of Quantum Mechanics", Reviews of Modern Physics, 1957.
  2. Bryce DeWitt, "Quantum Mechanics and Reality", Physics Today, 1970.
  3. Max Tegmark, "The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics: Many Worlds or Many Words?", Fortschritte der Physik, 1998.

 

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