What do you think of quantum mechanics?

Question

Do you really think that there is a possibility that by chance and through periodic trials, one can actually walk through a wall? Because according to quantum mechanics, there is a possibility? Do you also believe that we do not really touch anything, but we are all floating on particles?

Just wondering.

Answer 1

This idea comes from taking just one aspect of quantum statistics and misapplying it. Two better examples were given on my first day of class in thermodynamics and quantum statistics. The first was to consider the probability that all the air molecules in this room would end up in just one half of the room. This is more relevant, since air molecules move with relative independence. The second was to contemplate the probability that the instructor's chalk would turn into a gorilla. To emphasize his point, he threw his chalk to the ground. Lo and behold, out came a gorilla! Well, he got our attention ...

Quantum statistics does not apply to the walking-through-the-wall example. The molecules of solids do not at all move independently. Their motion is dominated by the forces among neighboring molecules.

Answer 2

I fear someone has described material theory and the Heisenberg priniciple to you in a way that is not particularly helpful.

True, if you are playing around with it on the blackboard, there are mathematical possibilities that are amusing but involve calculations with imaginary variables that are outside the numerical domain in which real events take place.

So even though it is true that "solid" matter is actually made up of empty space and electric charges, the fact is that the statistical domains of subatomic particles are perfectly resistant to interpenetration.

Because all particles--every single particle and the one next to it--are equally subject to the same rules of spatial domain, in practical terms they all behave as though they were actually solid. There is no way around this, any more than there is a way around conservation of matter and energy.

So those possibilities are only parlor tricks for mathematicians, and it is not possible to walk through a wall, even if you try very, very hard.

By the way, this is the sense in which we are created in God's image: not that God has ten fingers and ten toes, but that we, also, are made up of empty space and electric charges. I hope that will give you something equally fun to contemplate.

Answer 3

You can not go threw walls, we don't count on Quantum Mechanics because we are to big, Quantum only counts for small things, bigger things like us have a different set of laws, relativity. A small particle can go threw a wall, we cant. (unless we blow a hole threw it first ROFL) and about the thing about floating on particles, no we don't float on particles.....unless... its complicated. Electromagnetism, that's what this is about. If there is Electromagnetism where we step we float, if there isn't we don't float.

Answer 4

no,second is answer in form of question. third, we are not 'floating' on particles, we are 'floating' particles. when you break it down on the molecular level, everything is a particle. if a solid can pass through a solid with out one or the other being reduced to the molecular level, I'd would like to see it. plus your question is phrased wrong. the question was can one walk through a wall? you do it every day. 'smarter than a fifth-grader' J

Answer 5

I think its an interesting theory used to attempt to understand area's of science that do not obey the physical laws of nature.
However I'm convinced that without the proper fundamentals about 'classical physics' its guess work at best.
Cosmologists seem to be onto something new however by acknowledging the 4th state of matter (plasma) as a fundamental force with much more influence in the universe then anyone could have imagined.
Check it out...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=4773590301316220374

Answer 6

Quantum mechanics is for small sub-atomic particles. Classical mechanics for you and me. Relativistic mechanics for the sun and its cousins. Thy shall not confuse the applications of these important tools of science, just like you never use a screw-driver for eating or A4 paper as toilet paper. Good luck in your research.

Answer 7

It probably is a possibility. What do I think? I wish I were smart enough to understand how scientists came up with this theory!

Answer 8

If you study it too long, it will pollute your brain with all kinds of stupid ideas. And it won't teach you how to fix your cars, either.