Description
Quantum mechanics can offer a view of reality that is rather bewildering. Namely that the wavefunction represents a state of knowledge that is updated instantaneously upon performing a measurement and that the state of a system is undefined, indeed not even an ‘element of reality’, until such a process is carried out. Such a ‘Copenhagen Interpretation’ was developed in the early part of the 20th century and remains central to the way quantum mechanics is presented at undergraduate level.ÌýÌý
This module will gently explore alternative ideas such as Bohmian pilot-wave mechanics, many-worlds, and spontaneous collapse, at a relatively low mathematical level and with an emphasis on ontological implications. The key implications of the EPR paradox, Bell’s theorem, and associated experimental results (recognised by the Nobel Prize in Physics 2022) that demonstrate apparent quantum non-locality and intrinsic randomness of behaviour will be a central focus of attention.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 19th August 2024.
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