from what i understand quantam theory and relativity theory do not agree with each other. but i thought a theory was good unless it was disproven just once.. so isnt one or both of them wrong?
2006-10-16 13:24:49 · 8 answers · asked by alberta 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Relativity deals with the macro-universe---sizes above 1.6^minus 35 meters. Quantum physics deals with the micro-universe---sizes smaller than 1.6^minus 35 meters (..about 10^minus 20 times smaller than the proton). Both theories are valid as long as they're applied to the proper scale of things.
2006-10-16 13:44:36 · answer #1 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
just like the theory of relativity built on Newtonion physics, quantam theory builds on the theory of relativity. Einstein did not agree with some of the percepts of quantam theory, but they, so far, have not been proven incorrect.
ME: a theory is an explaination for an OBSERVABLE FACT.
For example, if you are a cop and find a dead body, you develop a THEORY as to how it happend. The FACT that someone died is not up for discussion.
Just like in quantam physics, the wave/particle action is an observable fact, but HOW it happens is theorized; or in evolution, the FACT that humans and apes evolved from a common ancestor is not disputed, only the exact mechanism is up for debate.
2006-10-16 13:42:11 · answer #2 · answered by Mac Momma 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think the mismatch is somewhat due to the mathematical structure of the theories. General relativity is a classical-style field theory, which has nothing to do with the probabilistic type of predictions given by quantum mechanics. It is expected general relativity will eventually be replaced by a quantum theory of gravity, which will include general relativity as a limiting case.
FYI, special relativity is incorporated in quantum field theories.
2006-10-16 15:00:58 · answer #3 · answered by SAN 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not aware of any contradiction between quantum theory and relativity. In fact, I happen to know that including relativistic effects in the computation of energy levels in the helium atom improves the accuracy.
2006-10-16 14:04:40 · answer #4 · answered by justaguy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The theories do not conflict. You can have relativisitic effects on a quantum scale as well. Just because someone didn't buy both of them doesn't mean they conflict.
2006-10-16 14:04:31 · answer #5 · answered by eri 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gravitons are the theoretical and as yet undetected stress donning debris of the gravitational stress. In relativity, gravity is defined because of the fact the warping of area/time. Quantum mechanics describes the reason on the subatomic point, relativity describes the effect in the macro sized universe.
2016-10-19 12:47:01 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they both may be wrong or right...they are just "theories"
2006-10-16 13:32:44 · answer #7 · answered by me 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
very confusing stuff. search using bing and yahoo. that could actually help!
2014-12-10 20:43:47 · answer #8 · answered by clara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋