37 Views

Could scientists perfectly simulate the entire universe in a computer, down to the last atom?


Grag 16th Nov, 2021
Answer (1)
Nitin Mereddy 16th Nov, 2021

On the fundamental level, the universe obeys quantum theory. Quantum theory is probabilistic and non-deterministic. This means that if you know everything there is to know about a certain electron at the current moment, and then perfectly apply all the equations of quantum theory to the electron, you cannot exactly predict where the electron will be in one minute. You can only predict the probability of the electron being at various locations. The probability distribution may give you a general idea of where the one electron will end up, and can even tell you the average location of many electrons, but quantum theory cannot tell you the actual, exact location of the electron. The problem is not with quantum theory. The problem is with the electron itself. Quantum objects like electrons are not hard little balls or classical waves. They are more complicated beasts that are somewhat particle-like and somewhat wave-like at the same time. Furthermore, quantum objects innately contain uncertainty in their properties. Electrons fundamentally don't have exact locations. They have locations that exist only up to a degree of definiteness as a result of their inherent uncertainty, which depends on the state of the electron.

Related Questions

TAPMI MBA 2025 | Technology M...
Apply
MBA Admission Open in Technology Management and AI & Data Science | NAAC A++ | Institution of Eminence | Assured Scholarships
Amity University, Noida Law A...
Apply
700+ Campus placements at top national and global law firms, corporates, and judiciaries
Chitkara University MBA Admis...
Apply
NAAC A+ Accredited | 100% CAMPUS RECRUITMENT
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham | ...
Apply
Recognized as Institute of Eminence by Govt. of India | NAAC ‘A++’ Grade | Upto 75% Scholarships | Extended Application Deadline: 30th Jan
Great Lakes PGPM & PGDM 2025
Apply
Admissions Open | Globally Recognized by AACSB (US) & AMBA (UK) | 17.3 LPA Avg. CTC for PGPM 2024 | Extended Application Deadline: 10th Feb 2024
Amity University Noida B.Tech...
Apply
Among Top 30 National Universities for Engineering (NIRF 2024) | 30+ Specializations
View All Application Forms

Download the Careers360 App on your Android phone

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

150M+ Students
30,000+ Colleges
500+ Exams
1500+ E-books