Determinism & Scale: Quantum Effects on Macroscopic Objects

In summary, the question being asked is about the boundary between the behavior of microscopic and macroscopic objects. The conversation discusses the indeterministic behavior of microscopic objects, and how this behavior diminishes as the objects get larger. It is noted that there is no exact boundary between the two, but as more particles are involved, the uncertainty decreases and the objects behave more deterministically.
  • #1
popepius
1
0
Hi everybody,

there is this question that is bugging me and since I neither seem to know enough about physics to find out the answer myself nor to have the time to acquire said knowledge I will try to ask it here.

Objects of the microscopic world famously behave in an indeterministic way. But as I understand it the effects of the quantum level indeterminacies are diminished the bigger the observed objects are. If I understand that correctly the interaction of billiard balls bouncing of each other must be deterministic. Is that so? (Quantum interference for example can be observed in a double slit experiment that involves photons or even neutrons, but not billiard balls.)
If yes, is there a border that could be made out between the realm of micro and macroscopic objects?

I am sorry for the inaccuracy of my wording. If this is a stupid or obvious question, I beg your pardon.

All the best and thank you in advance
Popepius
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
popepius said:
Hi everybody,

there is this question that is bugging me and since I neither seem to know enough about physics to find out the answer myself nor to have the time to acquire said knowledge I will try to ask it here.

Objects of the microscopic world famously behave in an indeterministic way. But as I understand it the effects of the quantum level indeterminacies are diminished the bigger the observed objects are. If I understand that correctly the interaction of billiard balls bouncing of each other must be deterministic. Is that so? (Quantum interference for example can be observed in a double slit experiment that involves photons or even neutrons, but not billiard balls.)
If yes, is there a border that could be made out between the realm of micro and macroscopic objects?

I am sorry for the inaccuracy of my wording. If this is a stupid or obvious question, I beg your pardon.

All the best and thank you in advance
Popepius

Welcome to PhysicsForums, Popepius!

Your question is fine. There is no exact boundary. As you get more and more particles together, the uncertainty (which can loosely be considered as the indeterminism you refer too) decreases very rapidly. Large objects therefore act as if they are much more deterministic.
 

FAQ: Determinism & Scale: Quantum Effects on Macroscopic Objects

What is determinism?

Determinism is the philosophical concept that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by causes external to the will. This means that every event, including our thoughts and actions, is determined by previous events and the laws of nature.

How do quantum effects impact macroscopic objects?

Quantum effects refer to the behavior of particles at the subatomic level, which can be described by quantum mechanics. These effects can have a significant impact on macroscopic objects, as they can cause uncertainty and unpredictability in their behavior. This is because at the quantum level, particles can exist in multiple states at the same time, which can affect their behavior when they are observed or interacted with.

Can quantum effects explain free will?

The concept of free will is a complex and debated topic in philosophy. While quantum effects may introduce uncertainty and randomness into our actions, they do not necessarily provide an explanation for free will. Free will also involves conscious decision-making and personal agency, which cannot be fully explained by quantum mechanics.

Can determinism and quantum mechanics coexist?

Many scientists and philosophers believe that determinism and quantum mechanics are not mutually exclusive. While determinism suggests that the universe is governed by predictable laws, quantum mechanics introduces randomness and uncertainty. However, these two concepts can coexist and complement each other, as quantum mechanics can provide a more complete understanding of the underlying causes and laws that govern our universe.

How does scale play a role in determinism and quantum effects?

The scale at which we observe and interact with objects can greatly impact the effects of determinism and quantum mechanics. At the macroscopic scale, classical mechanics can accurately predict and describe the behavior of objects. However, at the quantum level, these predictions become less precise due to the uncertain nature of quantum particles. Therefore, scale is an important factor to consider when examining the relationship between determinism and quantum effects on macroscopic objects.

Similar threads

B Does Wavelength Affect Uncertainty in Macroscopic Objects?
Replies
11
Views
1K
B Does decoherence prevent 100% of quantum tunneling of macro object?
Replies
4
Views
1K
The effect of macroscopic quantum phenomena on human evolution
Replies
1
Views
1K
A Macroscopic systems in the quantum theory book by Asher Peres
Replies
12
Views
2K
I Can quantum Zeno effect be applied to macroscopic systems?
Replies
1
Views
1K
A Experiments probing the macroscopic limits of QM
2
Replies
45
Views
10K
Evolution of Matter from Quantum World: Macroscopic Scale vs Localized Particles
Replies
11
Views
2K
Does Quantum Mechanics Apply to All Scales of Reality?
Replies
16
Views
7K
Perhaps we do see quantum behavior at the macroscopic scale
2
Replies
40
Views
6K
Macroscopic quantum effects and gravitational wave detector
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top