Quantum non-locality and vacuum polarization

In summary, quantum particles are not localized before observation, as demonstrated by experiments such as the Young double slit experiment and those involving entangled particles. On the other hand, the idea of virtual particles filling the vacuum is a popular misconception and they do not actually exist. Therefore, quantum non-locality and virtual particles are unrelated and should not be confused with one another.
  • #1
mbond
41
7
Quantum particles are not localized before they are observed, as shown with the Young double slit experiments and those with entangled particles.
On the other side, vacuum is filled with virtual particles.
Are the non-localized particles responsible for the virtual particles? or only for a part of them? or have nothing to with them?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Search this forum for some of our many threads about virtual particles. They aren't what you've been told they are by many non-serious popularizations and the vacuum is not filled with them.
 
  • #3
Nugatory said:
Search this forum for some of our many threads about virtual particles. They aren't what you've been told they are by many non-serious popularizations and the vacuum is not filled with them.

I mean, one has vacuum polarization, due to the virtual particles.

I am trying to understand whether quantum non-locality and virtual particles are connected or are unrelated.
 
  • #4
mbond said:
I mean, one has vacuum polarization, due to the virtual particles.

Virtual particles do not exist. There are many threads discussing this - another one is not required.

So the answer to your question is - no - they are unrelated since your premise is wrong - ie virtual particles do not exist.

Thanks
Bill
 
  • #5
mbond said:
I am trying to understand whether quantum non-locality and virtual particles are connected or are unrelated.
They are unrelated. Quantum non-locality is related to entanglement, which virtual particles are not.
On some myths about entanglement, non-locality, virtual particles and many other things see
http://lanl.arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0609163
 

Related to Quantum non-locality and vacuum polarization

1. What is quantum non-locality?

Quantum non-locality refers to the phenomenon in quantum mechanics where particles that were once connected continue to influence each other even when separated by great distances. This is in contrast to classical physics, where objects can only affect each other through direct physical contact or through a shared medium such as light or sound.

2. How does quantum non-locality relate to entanglement?

Entanglement is a type of quantum non-locality where two or more particles become connected in such a way that their properties are dependent on each other, even when separated by large distances. This is a key aspect of quantum mechanics and allows for phenomena such as teleportation and quantum computing.

3. What is vacuum polarization?

Vacuum polarization is a concept in quantum field theory where the virtual particle-antiparticle pairs that constantly pop in and out of existence in the vacuum can affect the properties of nearby charged particles. This results in a distortion of the electric field and can have observable effects, such as the Lamb shift in atomic spectra.

4. How does vacuum polarization relate to quantum non-locality?

Vacuum polarization is a manifestation of quantum non-locality, as the virtual particles that contribute to it can influence particles at a distance from each other. This effect is small but has been experimentally verified, providing evidence for the non-locality of quantum systems.

5. What are the potential applications of understanding quantum non-locality and vacuum polarization?

Understanding quantum non-locality and vacuum polarization is crucial for the development of quantum technologies, such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing. It also has implications for our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality and the behavior of particles at a subatomic level.

Similar threads

I Quantum fluctuations & 'virtual particles'
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
10
Views
2K
B Quantum entanglement and hidden variables
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
7
Views
1K
A Is the freedom-of-choice loophole valid in quantum entanglement experiments?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
I The theory on the effects of polarizers on particles wavefunctions
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
6
Views
442
B Quantum entanglement and simultaneity
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
1K
I "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
I New Nobel Aspect contradicts himself on action at a distance bel
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
968
I Physical meaning of two independent, non-interacting parts
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
655
I The general structure of relativistic QFTs
    • Quantum Physics
3
Replies
87
Views
5K
B Entangled particle decoherence question
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
781

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top