This question is for someone with the knowledge and the ability to express the answer simply. I've always seen the insinuation that the two branches are not compatible with each other...never quite understood WHY though, seeing as BOTH seem to work pretty well.
Could it be that the answer of "everything" might be found in BIOLOGY?...seeing as neither branch delves into the appearance of life in the universe and how it relates to physics.
2006-10-24 16:25:54 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Albert Einstein was both a large contributor to the quantum theory (he won the 1921 Nobel Prize for physics because of his photoelectric studies - light quanta or photons) and a staunch critic (dismissing the theory as too random in its uncertainty in the last 30 years of his life).
Basically, Einstein's theory is a smooth mathematical continuum of space/time. Quantum mechanics - often referred to as the non-relativistic theory - relies on the Heisenberg's principal of uncertainty to explain seemingly random sub-atomic data involving emissions. New mathematical procedures were even developed which tried to explain this principal, but Einstein never bought into it.
Einstein's formulas and equations don't allow for uncertainty, and there's where the incompatibility arises. You are correct in stating that both theories seem to work pretty well, and both have wide acceptance in the scientific arena - but it is, however, certain that they both cannot be incompatible and correct at the same time.
My money's on Albert's smooth continuum - to date, his equations have stood the test of time and advanced technology and modern scientific observations have confirmed their accuracy. However, it could well be that a third theory, incorporating elements of both, could well be the answer scientists are looking for.
You are also correct that neither theory delves into the appearance of life - but I really don't think either theory ever intended to.
2006-10-24 17:36:13 · answer #1 · answered by LeAnne 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The formulation of a complete theory of quantum gravity is hindered by apparent incompatibilities between general relativity, the most accurate theory of gravity currently known, and some of the fundamental assumptions of quantum theory. The resolution of these incompatibilities is an area of active research, and theories such as string theory are among the possible candidates for a future theory of quantum gravity. I think Steven Hawking is slowly making progress joining the two and the string theory might be the answer.
I dont see how biology has anything to do with it :S
2006-10-24 16:35:16 · answer #2 · answered by Im Bored 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who said they are incompatible? General Relativity explains gravity, and is the best explanation for gravity right now. Quantum Mechanics has successfully explained the other forces, but has not been able to come up with a quantum model of gravity. Maybe, just maybe, we should accept that there is no quantum model for gravity, maybe gravity is just a different force. All the other forces are electromagnetic in nature, gravity obviously isn't or else we would've had a quantum model for it. And the chances of proving General Relativity wrong are almost non exsistent since we has evidence for it.
2006-10-24 16:54:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it quite is been got here across that at spatial sizes smaller than a million.6 x 10 minus 35 meters our universe would not artwork the way it does "generally." In different words, the nicely known regulations of physics that govern how issues artwork in simple terms don't be conscious as quickly as we get into those infinitesimally tiny geographical regions. to handle that, technology has greater what's generally hassle-loose as quantum physics, aka quantum mechanics.
2016-10-16 09:07:59 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
quantum mechanics only applies to small things"the atom" while general relativity applies to huge things like galaxies, stars etc...
both theories are being tried to unified in a single theory that could explain everything in all scales (small and big) and that theory is the theory of everything. which tries to unify quantum mechanics and general theory of rel... to explain the inside of a black hole since in its interior it is both, tiny and huge at the same time.
both theories seem to work pretty well but we need a single theory that could explain the tiny and the big at the same time. (simultaneously)
i hope that i answer your question
good luck
2006-10-24 18:06:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋