arXiv:quant-ph/0504125

The Discontinuous Spatiality of Quantum Mechanical Objects

Helio V. Fagundes

Published Apr 18, 2005• 2 citations

Abstract

The quantum mechanical wave-particle dualism is analyzed and criticized, in the framework of Reichenbach's concepts of phenomenon and interphenomenon. It is suggested that the dual pictures be de-emphasized in the study of quantum theory, and that a qualitative picture of atomic processes need not make use of them. In this connection we stress a view of the electron and other such particles as having discontinuous spatiality in time: they only have a place or a shape when they participate in a phenomenon.

DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.quant-ph/0504125

Related papers

A Suggested Interpretation of the Quantum Theory in Terms of Discontinuous Motion of Particles

Gao Shan

We present a theory of discontinuous motion of particles in continuous space-time. We show that the simplest nonrelativistic evolution equation of such motion is just the Schrodinger equation in quantum mechanics. This strongly implies what quantum mechanics describes is discontinuous motion of particles. Considering the fact that space-time may be essentially discrete when considering gravity, we further present a theory of discontinuous motion of particles in discrete space-time. We show that its evolution will naturally result in the dynamical collapse process of the wave function, and this collapse will bring about the appearance of continuous motion of objects in the macroscopic world.

NeuroQuantologySep 5, 20071 citation

A suggested interpretation of the quantum theory in terms of discontinuous motion of particles

Rui Qi

We present a theory of discontinuous motion of particles in continuous space-time. We show that the simplest nonrelativistic evolution equation of such motion is just the Schroedinger equation in quantum mechanics. This strongly implies what quantum mechanics describes is discontinuous motion of particles. Considering the fact that space-time may be essentially discrete when considering gravity, we further present a theory of discontinuous motion of particles in discrete space-time. We show that its evolution may naturally result in the dynamical collapse process of the wave function, and this collapse will bring about the appearance of continuous motion of objects in the macroscopic world.

arXiv:quant-ph/0208158Aug 27, 20020 citations

The Physical Nature of Wave/Particle Duality

Marcello Cini

1.1 Waves and particles in quantum mechanics In spite of the fact that the extraordinary progress of experimental techniques make us able to manipulate at will systems made of any small and well defined number of atoms, electrons and photons making therefore possible the actual performance of the gedankenexperimente that Einstein and Bohr had imagined to support their opposite views on the physical properties of the wavelike/particlelike objects (quantons) of the quantum world it does not seem that, after more than eighty years, a unanimous consensus has been reached in the physicist's community on how to understand their strange properties. Unfortunately, we cannot know whether Feynman would still insist in maintaining his famous sentence It is fair to say that nobody understands quantum mechanics. We can only discuss if, almost thirty years after his death, some progress towards this goal has been made. I believe that this is the case. I will show in fact that, by following the suggestions of Feynman himself, some clarification of the old puzzles can be achieved. This chapter therefore by no means is intended to provide an impartial review of the present status of the question but is focused on the exposure of the results of more than twenty years of research of my group in Rome, which in my opinion provide a possible way of connecting together at the same time the random nature of the events at the atomic level of reality and the completeness of their probabilistic representation by the principles of Quantum Mechanics.

InTech eBooksFeb 24, 20124 citations

Quantum Connections: Wave-Particle Dualism

Robert L. Nadeau, Menas C. Kafatos

Abstract The logical framework of complementarity was originally formulated in an effort to resolve some ambiguities concerning wave-particle dualism in quantum physics. The essential paradox of wave-particle dualism is easily demonstrated. View the particle as a point-like something, like the period at the end of this sentence, and the wave as continuous and spread-out. The obvious logical problem is how a particular something localized in space and time, the particle, cari also be the spread-out and continuous something, the wave. Quantum physics not only says unequivocally that quanta exhibit both properties but also provides mathematical formalism governing what we can possibly observe, or “see;” when we coordinate our experience with this reality in actual experiments.

Dec 2, 19990 citations

What quantum mechanics describes is discontinuous motion of particles

Shan Gao

We present a theory of discontinuous motion of particles in continuous space-time. We show that the simplest nonrelativistic evolution equation of such motion is just the Schroedinger equation in quantum mechanics. This strongly implies what quantum mechanics describes is discontinuous motion of particles. Considering the fact that space-time may be essentially discrete when considering gravity, we further present a theory of discontinuous motion of particles in discrete space-time. We show that its evolution will naturally result in the dynamical collapse process of the wave function, and this collapse will bring about the appearance of continuous motion of objects in the macroscopic world.

Sep 1, 20011 citation

Quantum mechanical realism

Brian Ellis

Quantum mechanics has always presented a problem for scientific realists. For it does not seem to offer a coherent picture of the world. I think it does, and that there is a viable quantum mechanical model of reality. But it cannot be constructed, given the continuity constraints that we usually place on realistic models. To be a quantum mechanical realist, one has to be willing to accept that there are two fundamentally different kinds of processes occurring in nature: continuous, but quantum mechanically indeterminate, energy transfer processes and discontinuous, but spatially extended, changes of state. The unwillingness of philosophers to accept that there is such a distinction has caused many of them to doubt the reality of Schrödinger waves, and the processes of their generation and collapse. I am fully aware that I am treading on well-trodden territory, and that the technical difficulties that must be faced by anyone who is not a specialist in the field are immense. Nevertheless, I think there is a fairly clear metaphysical position on these issues derivable from the kind of essentialist realism outlined in the previous chapter, and I ask readers to bear with me. First, realism about Schrödinger waves requires the belief that particles are always transmitted as quantum mechanically indeterminate waves, but always act as classically determinate particles on whatever absorbs them. The probability of absorption by a given absorbing object (e.g. measuring instrument) at a given location is determined by the value of the Ψ-function at this point.

Sep 30, 20091 citation