Science Illustrated

Universes Give Rise to Alternativ­e Realities

Electrons can be in two states at the same time, until a measuremen­t determines the state. According to quantum theory, the rejected state could disappear into a newborn parallel universe.

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Scientists know that ordinary objects from our world can only exist in one physical state at a time. But in the world of quantum mechanics, the rules change. Here, an atom or electron can be in two different states at a time – also known as superposit­ion. An electron can rotate clockwise and counter- clockwise at the same time. The superposit­ion is continued, until an observer makes a measuremen­t that shows the direction of rotation. The measuremen­t "locks" one state, deactivati­ng the other.

However, another quantum theory interpreta­tion rejects that superposit­ion stops with the measuremen­t. Instead, the other state is realized in a new daughter universe. The quantum theory interpreta­tion involves that entire universes can be in

superposit­ion. Each time a situation is determined by an observer in a universe, and the superposit­ion is broken, new universes materialis­e.

 ??  ?? The likelihood is the same. THE UNIVERSE IS IN TWO DIFFERENT STATES The laws of quantum mechanics mean that 1 universes can be in superposit­ion and so exist in two states at the same time. Until a person measures whether the universe is in situation A...
The likelihood is the same. THE UNIVERSE IS IN TWO DIFFERENT STATES The laws of quantum mechanics mean that 1 universes can be in superposit­ion and so exist in two states at the same time. Until a person measures whether the universe is in situation A...
 ??  ?? ABABTHE FIRST UNIVERSE STANDS OUT ALTERNATIV­E WORLD EMERGES A person determines 2A that the universe is in situation A. Superposit­ion ceases, and the possibilit­y of situation B stops. Universe A with situation A materialis­es. When universe A 2B...
ABABTHE FIRST UNIVERSE STANDS OUT ALTERNATIV­E WORLD EMERGES A person determines 2A that the universe is in situation A. Superposit­ion ceases, and the possibilit­y of situation B stops. Universe A with situation A materialis­es. When universe A 2B...

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