counting volumes in config space

[AntonioLao]

The abstract n-dimensional configuration space defies visualization. Yet quantum mechanics (QM) asserts that differential volumes exist within it. But in order to count them one must rely on the skill of being able to catch parts of them. Common sense says that it is impossible to grab water unless done by forming a shallow within the palm of the hand as in ladling. However, once parts are counted and putting back into configuration space is analogous to measuring the number of drops in the ocean by a spoon with holes. In QM the spoon is made of a complex probability wave function Y such that the square of its modulus determines the probability of finding water inside the spoon with holes. The total count is given by the double integral: òòY(q)Y*(q’)f(q,q’)dqdq’ and that ò|Y|²dq=1.

[mkirkpatrick]

The abstract n-dimensional configuration space defies visualization. Yet quantum mechanics (QM) asserts that differential volumes exist within it. But in order to count them one must rely on the skill of being able to catch parts of them. Common sense says that it is impossible to grab water unless done by forming a shallow within the palm of the hand as in ladling. However, once parts are counted and putting back into configuration space is analogous to measuring the number of drops in the ocean by a spoon with holes. In QM the spoon is made of a complex probability wave function Y such that the square of its modulus determines the probability of finding water inside the spoon with holes. The total count is given by the double integral: òòY(q)Y*(q’)f(q,q’)dqdq’ and that ò|Y|²dq=1.

That does seem a tad complex,Antonio!
kind regards michael.

[AntonioLao]

That does seem a tad complex

Quantum mechanics is still a mystery even to the best theoretical minds of this century.

[mkirkpatrick]

Quantum mechanics is still a mystery even to the best theoretical minds of this century.

I agree Antonio,but I feel that the
understanding of the universe and all that iswithin its grasp,must be very
simple,not complex at all,is it not us that create the complexity,not the
universe,which is basic simplicity personified,in a manner of speaking?

kindest regards michael.

[AntonioLao]

but I feel that the understanding of the universe and all that iswithin its grasp,must be very simple

a little more than 2 thousands years ago Lucretius thought so too about a complex universe emerging from a simple clinamen.