Quantum Science: Briefly

From Classical Science to Quantum Science

Classical science refers to the traditional, observable realm of the universe, while quantum science delves into the inner world of atoms and subatomic particles.

Whereas classical science operates on principles of determinism, quantum physics begins with uncertainty, based on probability. In his book, Reality Is Not What It Seems, Carlo Rovelli argues that science has never been about certainty. If we approach our understanding with the awareness that our beliefs could be proven wrong, might we be able to free ourselves from these mistaken assumptions?

While classical science presents us with established facts and predictable outcomes, quantum science leads us into realms of wonder and paradox. Understanding phenomena on a quantum level often raises doubts about the very nature of reality. When humans first peered into the atomic world, they discovered an entirely new landscape, something so astonishing that physicist Niels Bohr remarked, "If quantum mechanics hasn’t profoundly shocked you, then you haven’t understood it."

A straightforward example of this is the superposition of electrons or protons, which can exist in multiple places simultaneously. Scientists tracking a helium atom's superposition found it left traces across ten different paths, but the instant it was observed, it vanished from those positions.

Erwin Schrödinger's famous thought experiment, "Schrödinger's Cat," reflects this paradox of superposition. Based on observation, the cat can be considered both alive and dead at the same time.   While classical science continued to unravel the secrets of the visible universe, quantum science introduced humankind to a bewildering new domain. As we began to grasp atomic behavior, we found that knowledge could also mean embracing unknowns.

Classical science studies celestial bodies and the nature of matter, whereas quantum science probes into the very essence of subatomic particles. To replicate the conditions of the Big Bang and potentially identify the Higgs boson, scientists built a 27-kilometer-long tunnel in Switzerland at a staggering cost of $10 billion. This particle, they hypothesized, could be the building block of the universe. The Higgs boson was indeed detected, albeit for an incredibly brief moment—just a trillionth of a second—and research continues, with completion expected by 2027.

Scientists believe that our universe is made of these tiny particles, interconnected in ways that govern cosmic functions. Contrary to the notion of a "void," they propose that space itself is composed of and connected by these particles. According to physicist Heinz Pagels, quantum physics serves as the "code" of the universe, maintaining connections between all things.

Initially, classical science hesitated to accept quantum physics, which contradicted its tenets. In classical theory, atoms were not expected to emit energy. Physicists like Bohr speculated that atomic behavior might not be bound by classical rules, leading to famous debates between Bohr and Einstein. Although Einstein had made significant contributions to the field, earning the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics, he grew uneasy with the unpredictable outcomes of quantum theory. Some scientists dismissed quantum science as mere speculation, shaken by the profound challenges it posed to classical physics.

Quantum entanglement, the phenomenon where two particles remain synchronized regardless of distance, contradicted classical expectations. Yet Bohr's view ultimately gained support from Heisenberg. The question remained: how could something so counterintuitive be so accurate?

 

In challenging the certainties of classical science, quantum mechanics also opened doors to metaphysical ideas. In Pakistan, the famous playwright Ashfaq Ahmed explored this connection in his celebrated drama, Man Chalay Ka Sauda, where he linked quantum science to metaphysical philosophy.

 

Despite its complexities, quantum science holds transformative potential. It could very well be the science of the future.

 

From computers and smartphones to GPS, quantum physics has already enabled numerous technological breakthroughs. Now, it’s paving the way for secure telecommunications through quantum encryption. Thanks to the phenomenon of superposition, any interception attempt along a fiber-optic cable will alter the photons' state, immediately alerting the sender.

 

Quantum mechanics has also enabled scientists to create new "metamaterials" that can make decisions autonomously based on their environment. This technology could eventually lead to machines capable of complex decision-making beyond what today’s robots can achieve.

 

If we can fully understand the movement of atomic particles, we might one day predict their future behavior, potentially allowing us to foresee certain aspects of the future. Understanding their connectivity could even lead to communication faster than the speed of light.

Reference:

Fat Quantum Cats: Physicists’ Record Breaking  Cat Experiment

Quantum Physics Can Explain Earth’s Weather

Quantum entanglement visualised for the first time ever

Electric Cooling Could Shrink Quantum Computers Vacuum-tube effect might simplify cryogenic chambers

 The Uncertainty Principle | Genius

Pyramids, dark matter & the Big Bang theory - What’s holding our universe together? | DW Documentary