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An implication of this principle of quantum mechanics is that the Resurrection is entirely possible, similar to how quantum tunneling works despite violating traditional laws of physics.
[[Image:Schrodcat01.JPG|right|thumb|300px]]
[[Image:Schrodcat01.JPG|right|thumb|300px]]
'''Schrödinger's cat''' is a thought experiment that illustrates a paradox associated with the [[principle of superposition]] in [[quantum mechanics]], it was proposed by [[Erwin Schrödinger]] in 1935. Schrödinger's cat serves to demonstrate the apparent conflict between what quantum theory tells us is true about the nature and behavior of matter on the microscopic level and what we observe to be true about the nature and behavior of matter on the macroscopic level.
'''Schrödinger's cat''' is a thought experiment that illustrates a paradox associated with the [[principle of superposition]] in [[quantum mechanics]], it was proposed by [[Erwin Schrödinger]] in 1935. Schrödinger's cat serves to demonstrate the apparent conflict between what quantum theory tells us is true about the nature and behavior of matter on the microscopic level and what we observe to be true about the nature and behavior of matter on the macroscopic level.
An implication of this principle of quantum mechanics is that the [[Resurrection]] is entirely possible, similar to how [[quantum tunneling]] works despite violating traditional laws of [[physics]].
==The Thought Experiment==
==The Thought Experiment==
===Copenhagen Interpretation===
===Copenhagen Interpretation===
The Copenhagen interpretation is the interpretation dealing fundamentally with [[decoherence]]. Because quantum mechanics is a statistical method of describing the physical world, there are multiple states that a system can exist in at the same time; this is the principle of [[superposition]]. A quantum system is said to always be in a state of superposition until the system is measured, at which point the system ''decoheres'' and assumes a unique value. Such behavior has been the basis of revolutionary research into computing technologies (see [[quantum computer]]). This interpretation also questions at what time the "measuring" of the system takes place; for instance, a fundamental aspect of the system is measured when a nucleus decays and the event is recorded by the Geiger counter.<ref name="Layman">http://www.higgo.com/quantum/laymans.htm</ref>
The Copenhagen interpretation is the interpretation dealing fundamentally with [[decoherence]]. Because quantum mechanics is a statistical method of describing the physical world, there are multiple states that a system can exist in at the same time; this is the principle of [[superposition]]. A quantum system is said to always be in a state of superposition until the system is measured, at which point the system ''decoheres'' and assumes a unique value. Such behavior has been the basis of revolutionary research into computing technologies (see [[quantum computer]]). This interpretation also questions at what time the "measuring" of the system takes place; for instance, a fundamental aspect of the system is measured when a nucleus decays and the event is recorded by the [[Geiger counter]].<ref name="Layman">http://www.higgo.com/quantum/laymans.htm</ref>
===Many-worlds Interpretation===
===Many-worlds Interpretation===
The many-worlds interpretation deals with the concept that measuring the system is not a significant act. Instead, both states exist simultaneously, but are decoherent with each other, meaning that there is no communication between them. When the system is observed or measured (the box opened), the observer becomes [[quantum entanglement|entangled]] with the system, and essentially, two new observer states are formed - an observer who discovers a dead cat, and an observer who discovers a living cat. At this point, the [[universe]] "splits" into two branches or separate universes that are unable to communicate with each other.<ref name="Layman"/>
The many-worlds interpretation deals with the concept that measuring the system is not a significant act. Instead, both states exist simultaneously, but are decoherent with each other, meaning that there is no communication between them. When the system is observed or measured (the box opened), the observer becomes [[quantum entanglement|entangled]] with the system, and essentially, two new observer states are formed - an observer who discovers a dead cat, and an observer who discovers a living cat. At this point, the [[universe]] "splits" into two branches or separate universes that are unable to communicate with each other.<ref name="Layman"/><ref>Interpreting Quantum Physics James Higgo 1968-2001 [http://www.higgo.com/quantum]/</ref>
==References==
==References==
==See also==
==See also==
* [[Maxwell's demon]]
* [[Maxwell's demon]]
[[category:physics]]
[[Category:Quantum Mechanics]]