2007-04-01 07:17:10 · 6 answers · asked by ALAN K 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
This will not be a very technical explaination but no one has spelled out the basics of Quantum Entanglement yet:
Basically what happens in quantum entaglement is that we can produce certain particles in entangled pairs, and they shoot apart in opposite directions.
By measuring the spin of one of the entangled particles, it INSTANTLY sets the spin of the other one as well in the opposite direction.
You would figure from probability that the entangled particle would have a 50/50 probability of being spin up or down, but it doesnt. The spin ALWAYS is opposite the spin of the particle that was observed first.
It boils down to a transmission of information over a distance instantaneously, seeming to break the speed of light, but NOTHING is being transmitted to break the speed of light, so there is no problem. Or at least nothing we can observe :) So its a strange effect to say the least.
This is the basics of a quantum entanglement experiment. I think the longest one done so far has been 11km away from each other with instantaneous information transmission.
Below is a good link, much better than Wikipedia on it.
2007-04-01 07:41:36 · answer #1 · answered by Beach_Bum 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Although the definitions of basic entanglement are to twist together or entwine into a confusing mass and/or to complicate; confuse in normal circumstances not pertaining to physics, it also can be applied to physics.
In physics, the entanglement of a pair of objects means that measurements on one will instantaneously change the properties of the other - no matter how far away they are.
Einstein called entanglement, "...spooky interactions at a distance."
One example is Quantum Teleportation of photons (light particles) has been demonstrated in at least two laboratories.
2007-04-01 07:33:15 · answer #2 · answered by Sweet Candy 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This isn't the most technical answer in the world but -
When two quantum systems are brought together - they can become entangled with one another - When you pull them apart they still remain connected or related to each other.
Even a great distances, millions of miles - if you change or take a measurement of one of the systems it will effect the other instantaniously.
Einstein called this 'spooky action at a distance'
2007-04-01 07:27:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it was Feynman who said "If you think you understand quantum physics, you don't understand it."
So, no, nobody can explain what entanglement is.
2007-04-01 10:32:54 · answer #4 · answered by Daniel R 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The clustering of matter in an awkward manner.
2007-04-01 10:28:25 · answer #5 · answered by Frank S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This may guide you through:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement
2007-04-01 07:25:14 · answer #6 · answered by Fardin 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋