Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity

In summary, the two theories - General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics - are incompatible with each other, and it has been difficult to make them compatible. There is a potential for one day making it possible, but for now it remains an impossible task.
  • #1
Bjarne
344
0
Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity is not possible.
What are the problems / challenge?
 
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  • #2
Bjarne said:
Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity is not possible.
What are the problems / challenge?

How do you know it is not possible? If you have solid evidence, you should publish it to stop all of the people currently working towards that end.

Zz.
 
  • #3
ZapperZ said:
How do you know it is not possible? If you have solid evidence, you should publish it to stop all of the people currently working towards that end.

Zz.


I think he's trying to ask why it's not possible?
 
  • #4
Quark1005 is right

Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity (have so fare not been possible)
- what is the problem(s) / challenge
 
  • #5
Bjarne said:
Quark1005 is right

Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity (have so fare not been possible)
- what is the problem(s) / challenge

But we don't know YET if it is not possible! If it is not possible, we would have stopped looking into it. We have no evidence that it is not possible.

I think there are several threads in the Beyond The Standard Model forum that have discussed several issues on why and how these two theories diverge from each other. The whole research field on quantum gravity, loop quantum gravity, and even string, are the ones trying to merge GR and QM, or more specifically, with QFT (note that SR is already well-incorporated into QM, so it is misleading to think that all of Relativity is incompatible with QM). If we already know it is impossible, they would have stopped already.

What you should have asked is why it is DIFFICULT (not "not possible"), for GR and QM to be compatible with each other.

Edit: There's even a current thread with a discussion on this. You should continue this there.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=245316

Zz.
 
Last edited:
  • #6
ZapperZ


It has so fare not been possible because it have been too difficult.
One day (when we get more holistic knowledge) it is maybe easy (not difficult) but possible.

GR = Gravity
QM = Quantum Mechanics
What does QFT and SR means?
 
  • #7
(at first sorry for my bad english)
in GR and SR we can easlily measure the position,velocity mass,...
of a body in a 4 dimensional place called spacetime
and as we know that the large bodies curved the spacetime
by gravitational waves, and these waves composed from gravitons
and we can easily measure the position and other things at the same time
but in Quantum Theory we cannot measure the momentum and the place of
a body at the same time and correctly 100%...(Uncertainty Principle)
other thing: GR describing gravitational force and Quantum theory describing
other forces as weak/strong forces and electromagnetic force...
and the electromagnetic force stornger than gravitational force about millions times...
so it's hard to unit these forces but maybe not possible
 
  • #8
Bjarne said:
ZapperZ


It has so fare not been possible because it have been too difficult.
One day (when we get more holistic knowledge) it is maybe easy (not difficult) but possible.

GR = Gravity
QM = Quantum Mechanics
What does QFT and SR means?

GR = General Relativity
SR = Special Relativity
QFT = Quantum Field Theory.

Please continue this in the thread that I've linked. This thread is closed or else there will be way too many parallel threads on the same topic.

Zz.
 

FAQ: Uniting quantum physics with the theory of relativity

1. How do quantum mechanics and relativity relate to each other?

Quantum mechanics and relativity are two separate theories that explain different aspects of the physical world. Quantum mechanics deals with the behavior of particles on a very small scale, while relativity explains the behavior of objects that are moving at high speeds or in the presence of strong gravitational fields. However, in certain situations, such as the behavior of black holes or the early universe, both theories are needed to fully describe and understand the phenomena.

2. What are the main differences between quantum mechanics and relativity?

The main differences between quantum mechanics and relativity lie in their fundamental principles and predictions. Quantum mechanics is based on the uncertainty principle, which states that the exact position and momentum of a particle cannot be known simultaneously. Relativity, on the other hand, is based on the principle of the constancy of the speed of light and the theory of gravity. Additionally, quantum mechanics predicts discrete energy levels and probabilistic behavior, while relativity predicts continuous energy and deterministic behavior.

3. Why is it important to unite quantum mechanics and relativity?

Uniting quantum mechanics and relativity is important because it would provide a more complete and accurate understanding of the physical world. Currently, the two theories are incompatible and cannot fully explain certain phenomena, such as the behavior of black holes. By combining the two theories, scientists hope to develop a more comprehensive theory that can explain all aspects of the universe.

4. Has there been any progress in uniting quantum mechanics and relativity?

Yes, there have been several attempts to unite quantum mechanics and relativity, such as string theory and loop quantum gravity. However, these theories are still in the early stages of development and have not yet been fully proven or accepted by the scientific community. It is a challenging and ongoing process, and scientists continue to work towards finding a unified theory.

5. What are the potential implications of uniting quantum mechanics and relativity?

If a unified theory of quantum mechanics and relativity is achieved, it could have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and technological advancements. It could potentially provide solutions to long-standing mysteries, such as the nature of dark matter and dark energy. It could also lead to the development of new technologies, such as quantum computers, that could revolutionize computing and communication capabilities.

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