Susskind about QM - Reversed Time - Experiment?

In summary, Jens and Bill are discussing a video by Susskind about quantum mechanics. At around minute 36, Susskind explains that if there is no measurement after an electron/photon/whatever goes through a slit and time is reversed, it would come back to the emitter. Jens questions the validity of this statement since it cannot be proven. Bill suggests that physicists often use thought experiments to explore ideas. Jens argues that this is not a thought experiment, but a prediction that needs proof. He asks for data or an explanation of how this concept can be applied to teaching quantum mechanics.
  • #1
Omega0
214
52
Hi,

I had a look at Susskinds explanation about QM and this is pretty strange from my point of view.

Video:

Around minute 36.

He says that if there is no measurement after the electron/photon/whatever is going trough the slit and if you would reverse time the whatever would come back to the emitter. From a theoretical point this may be but isn't this just an unprovable statement?


Jens
 
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  • #2
Omega0 said:
He says that if there is no measurement after the electron/photon/whatever is going trough the slit and if you would reverse time the whatever would come back to the emitter. From a theoretical point this may be but isn't this just an unprovable statement?

Sure - but physicists do thought experiments like that all the time.

Make of them what you will.

Thanks
Bill
 
  • #3
bhobba said:
Sure - but physicists do thought experiments like that all the time.

Make of them what you will.

Thanks
Bill

Hey Bill,

This is not a "Thought Experiment", this is something what you predict to be true or possible. Those thought experiments make sense like Einstein did because it is provable. To say that the inversion of time would lead to the same position in time is just a statement.

So, any proves for effects of time reversal things in quantum mechanics?
Give me data or let me know how I could explain a student QM with time reversion.

Thanks,
Jens
 
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FAQ: Susskind about QM - Reversed Time - Experiment?

What is the "Susskind about QM - Reversed Time - Experiment?"

The "Susskind about QM - Reversed Time - Experiment" refers to a thought experiment proposed by theoretical physicist Leonard Susskind to illustrate the concept of time reversal in quantum mechanics. It involves a setup where a particle is sent through a series of detectors and then back through the same detectors in reverse order, leading to some interesting consequences.

What is the significance of this experiment?

This experiment serves as a way to understand the concept of time reversal in quantum mechanics, which is a fundamental aspect of the theory. It also highlights the strange and counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics, where particles can seemingly travel back in time and exhibit behaviors that are not observed in classical physics.

What are the results of the "Susskind about QM - Reversed Time - Experiment?"

The results of this experiment show that when a particle is sent through a series of detectors and then back through the same detectors in reverse order, the final outcome is the same as if the particle had never been sent through the detectors at all. This demonstrates the time symmetry of quantum mechanics, where the laws of physics remain the same regardless of the direction of time.

How does this experiment relate to other concepts in quantum mechanics?

The "Susskind about QM - Reversed Time - Experiment" is closely related to other concepts in quantum mechanics, such as the uncertainty principle and entanglement. These concepts also demonstrate the counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics and the importance of time in understanding the behavior of particles on a subatomic level.

Can this experiment be performed in real life?

No, the "Susskind about QM - Reversed Time - Experiment" is purely a thought experiment and cannot be performed in real life. However, it serves as a valuable tool for understanding the concepts of time reversal and time symmetry in quantum mechanics.

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