Mmastodon SciencePhysics first seen 4 d ago, last 17 h ago, peak #3
Do quantum fields count as real? Physicists weigh the evidence
Original: Quantum fields carry energy. Does that prove that they’re real? In quantum physics, we often argue over "what is real?"
Astrophysicist Ethan Siegel argues that quantum fields have a stronger claim to physical reality than many contested concepts in quantum mechanics, such as the wavefunction or eigenstates, because they carry energy. The piece, published on Big Think's Starts With a Bang, revisits the long-running debate over what is 'real' in quantum physics and why energy offers a compelling argument for fields' existence.
Why now: The philosophical question of what counts as real in quantum mechanics continues to spark debate among physicists and science readers.
Ethan SiegelBig ThinkStarts With a Bangquantum fields
Evidence
- Quantum fields carry energy. Does that prove that they’re real? In quantum physics, we often argue over "what is real?" Is the wavefunction? Are eigenstates? Quantum fields have a compelling argument for their reality: they carry energy. bigthink.com/starts-with-... #physics… · startswithabang.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy · 3
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