Can an object be in 2 places at one time?

Question

Quantum physics totally confuses me. I just seen "what the bleep" (documentary) and they said that there are photos of this phenomena: can anyone direct me to a link so I can see this for myself? I'm pretty sure it is something small like a spec of dust or sonething.

I know the answer is yes, but would like to see proof (a photo or film of it). Thanks

YES, I know it is possible according to quantom theory, but, no one has anwered the question:

Is there a photo (proof) of an object being in 2 places at 1 time.

Answer 1

I assume that by an object you mean a physical object, not a number or the content (meaning) of a message, or an idea or something like that. Those non-physical things can, in a sense, be in many places at once, but physical tokens of them (numerals, ink on paper, brain cells) can only be in one place at a time. When we talk about physical objects and time, there is a chance to get confused, depending on whether we mean physical objects in the everyday middle sized macro objects sense (dogs, cats, apples, oranges) or physical objects in the quantum mechanics sense (quarks, electrons, bosons). Same for time. A middle sized object can only be in exactly one place at exactly one time. Even if you stood across two state lines, you'd be in just one physical space (that happens to be politically divided, an artificial distinction). For a middle sized object to be in two places at once would require it to be separted from itself, which is impossible.

At the quantum level, things seem to be different. But I think the best way to describe, say, the exact position of an electron, is that it isn't precisely anywhere until (or unless) we make a detection of it. It is more like a probability of charge and mass distributed over a local region. So does that mean it's in two places at once? Not in the ordinary sense, because the whole way of thinking about reality at the quantum level is different from the way of thinking about it at the macro level.

Answer 2

"Artful dodger" got it about right. Your question appears logical but is not, since you seek an answer in practical, temporal terms of something which never is in time. For an entity to be in time means that it is sliding into history. To see the difficulty with your question, it is essential to understand history and time, and so, also space. There is no indication in your question of a level of cognizance of these issues which makes it possible to supply you a suitable answer to the inquiry as posed.

I would say that " the Bleep" video, which I have viewed, is rather simplistic and generalizes the issues under consideration.

Furthermore, those laboratories which have conducted research upon this very question of complementarity have got it wrong.

Specifically, the interpretation of the Japanese Hamamatsu Photonics experiment with the double prism with the air gap separation (acting like a beam-splitter) did not consider that light is not a photon, but rather the interpretation labors under the mistaken conception that light is made of photons. In other words, the photons which they declared to be in two different places in space at the same time must necessarily be two different photon effects proceeding into history.

I have a keen appreciation of the absurdly contradictory nature of these comments on the subject. Time will reveal that I am correct.

Answer 3

Quantum mechanics might be "weird" relative to how we are accustomed to viewing the physical world, but rule by rule, the behavior that occurs with sub-atomic particles is logical. Yes, a macro object could in theory be in two places at once. However, only the observed state is stable, and it would require a tremendous amount of energy applied to the object to keep it visible in both locations for any length of time (as in nanoseconds). Also, this energy would destroy the object as it was as well as everything else around it. Merely looking at an object applies enough energy to the system to eliminate the possibility of any other alternate locations besides the one that is observed. The same could be said for using to any measuring device known to man for determining the location of the macro object. Taking a measurement removes the possibility of observing multiple location states.

Answer 4

Yes an object can be at two places at same time.Quantum Physics says that.Like in quantum entanglement if an atom is vibrated at same time and same direction and then it is separated thousands of kilometres away then inducing change in one will induce same change in other.Therefore it is same with object in 2 places at same time.

Answer 5

Something or someone can be in 2 states at the same time, just locate yourself on a state line.

Answer 6

Quantum Physics says yes. It can be both here and there, or neither here nor there or here and not there, or there and not here.

Quantum Physics does not play well with classical physics.

Answer 7

Yes, but it's a tricky little physics thing.
Normal physics will tell you otherwise, but quantum physics is where it's at.

Answer 8

I've stood on a state line with a foot in each state. Does this count?

Answer 9

I saw that stupid movie. It's all a bunch of nonsense dreampt up by fools with wild imagination and too much time on their hands.

Answer 10

there is this austrian guy who supposedly "beamed" light particles...

http://www.quantum.univie.ac.at/zeilinger/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anton_Zeilinger

but then again... that doesnt make the quantum be in two places at the same time either. hm...