Quantum entanglement describes a special connection between two or more particles where the state of one particle is directly connected to the others, no matter how far apart they are. This idea was first thought of in the 1930s by Albert Einstein, Boris Podolsky, and Nathan Rosen.
Basics of Quantum Mechanics
Quantum entanglement originated from the basics of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics that deals with tiny particles like atoms and electrons. In the quantum world, particles don’t have limited properties like position or speed until they are measured. Instead, they exist in a state where they can be in multiple situations at once. When you measure a particle, it “chooses” a particular state to become.
How Entanglement Works
Quantum entanglement takes the idea of quantum mechanics further. When two particles become entangled, their properties are linked to each other. This means that if you measure one particle, you can know the state of the other even if they are light years apart. It doesn’t matter how much space is between them, their states are connected in a way that seems impossible according to our normal understanding of physics.
Einstein’s Concern
In 1935, Einstein, Podolsky, and Rosen published a paper where they argued that if quantum mechanics is correct, then it would allow for “spooky action at a distance.” They were afraid that this meant information could travel faster than the speed of light, which seemed to break the rules of special relativity, a theory Einstein came up with, which states that nothing can travel faster than the speed of light.
Bell’s Theorem and Experimental Confirmation
In the 1960s, physicist John Bell showed that quantum mechanics, including entanglement, could not be explained by any hidden variables or classical theories. His work led to experiments that tested this idea, and these experiments confirmed that quantum entanglement is real. They showed that particles truly are connected in a way that defies our usual understanding of how things should work.
Practical Applications of Entanglement
Quantum entanglement is essential for developing quantum computers, which use entangled particles called qubits. These qubits can exist in any state at once, allowing quantum computers to process information much faster than normal computers. Entanglement is also used in quantum cryptography, a technique that allows for super-secure communication. If someone tries to spy on the communication, the entanglement will be disturbed, and the parties involved will know right away.
The Future of Quantum Entanglement
Quantum entanglement has opened up a new frontier in science, leading to discoveries that could revolutionize technology. As researchers continue to explore the world of quantum mechanics, it’s likely that new breakthroughs will arise, bringing us closer to unlocking the secrets of quantum entanglement.
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https://scienceexchange.caltech.edu/topics/quantum-science-explained/entanglement
https://science.nasa.gov/what-is-the-spooky-science-of-quantum-entanglement/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_entanglement
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