Science
Fact-checked

At AllTheScience, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Quantum Uncertainty?

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Quantum uncertainty, or more formally, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, is a finding in quantum physics that states that one cannot simultaneously know both the exact position and exact momentum of a single particle. The uncertainty principle also gives mathematically precise (quantitative) confidence limits for pairs of measurements. Essentially, the more precisely you want to know one value, the more accuracy you must sacrifice in your measurement of the other.

Because of its association with the quantum mechanics revolution, quantum uncertainty has a lasting place in popular culture, where it is often misinterpreted. Quantum uncertainty in movies and films is sometimes used incorrectly to refer to large objects, when it really only applies to particles. Also, the idea of quantum uncertainty is often presented in a mysterious way, without the mention that the concept goes hand in hand with precise quantitative confidence bounds, which are not so mysterious.

Albert Einstein rejected the notion of quantum uncertainty.
Albert Einstein rejected the notion of quantum uncertainty.

The notion of quantum uncertainty caused a ruckus in the early 20th century, when physicists were trying to work out the particulars of quantum theory through conflicting interpretations. Neils Bohr and many other physicists advocated the Copenhagen interpretation, which states that the universe is fundamentally fuzzy at the lowest level, described by probability distributions rather than deterministically linked, well-defined states. Werner Heisenberg, who derived the uncertainty principle from the mathematical structure of quantum theory, also advocated the Copenhagen interpretation. Albert Einstein, however, did not, famously saying "God does not play dice".

The theory of quantum uncertainty, despite being packaged with mathematically precise confidence bounds, truly is quite mysterious. There are still disagreements in the physics community about whether the Copenhagen interpretation follows inevitably from quantum certainty. The contemporary alternative to the Copenhagen interpretation is the Many Worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, which holds that reality actually is deterministic.

In the context of the great success of Newtonian mechanics for more than a century prior, physicists were greatly reluctant to give up deterministic theories without incredibly compelling evidence. So they attempted to come up with "hidden variable" theories, which tried to explain away quantum uncertainty as a high-level property that emerges from more fundamental deterministic interactions. However, a finding called Bell's inequality found that local hidden variable theories could not be used to describe quantum uncertainty without postulating faster-than-light correlations between all particles in the universe. However, nonlocal hidden variable theories are still proposed to explain a deterministic foundation behind quantum uncertainty.

Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllTheScience contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...
Michael Anissimov
Michael Anissimov

Michael is a longtime AllTheScience contributor who specializes in topics relating to paleontology, physics, biology, astronomy, chemistry, and futurism. In addition to being an avid blogger, Michael is particularly passionate about stem cell research, regenerative medicine, and life extension therapies. He has also worked for the Methuselah Foundation, the Singularity Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and the Lifeboat Foundation.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon991389

Quantum entanglement is a "faster than light travel connection" between particles. The physics of it is rather simple and anyone of average intelligence can comprehend it. The principle behind it is that which would be employed in instantaneous "light-year-distance" communications. Making the devices would be complex but the principle is simple. When the theory is proven, we could move onto matter transport.

Understanding gravity and how the universe functions helps. First you must understand the how and why these particles even have this connection. I doubt very much that the boys in the lab truly understand what they're dealing with. When it comes to matter transport, it would not be dematerialize, rematerialize or a copy. It would be matter transport. Happy trails.

anon20486

Newtonian physics has served us extremely well for a long time for big objects-heavenly bodies and gross mechanics. However, it did not deal with the extremely minute forces that are inside the atom.

If you think quantum theory is hard to understand, try the string theory. Or have a go at "A Brief History of Time" by Steven Hawkings. I have been over both of these more than once, but still have trouble understanding either. As far as telling someone else about them coherently, forget it.

Sometimes I think that a theory that is so hard to understand or to write about may not be correct. On the other hand, it may be that some minds are just too limited to be able to get it. Everyone is not equal-brain wise. And not equal in a lot of ways and no amount of human lawmaking will change that.

anon20482

What does the confirmation of quantum entanglement suggest with regard to the many world's theory ?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Albert Einstein rejected the notion of quantum uncertainty.
      By: pds209
      Albert Einstein rejected the notion of quantum uncertainty.