Abstract

A decaying quantum system, if observed very frequently in order to ascertain whether or not it is still undecayed, will not decay at all. The derivation of this effect - known, e.g., as Zeno's paradox - has been criticized recently. It has been argued that measurements performed in a very short time interval, ..delta..t, produce states with a very large energy uncertanty, ..delta..E, and that Zeno's paradox disappears if this is taken into account. By construction of an explicit counterexample it is proved, however, that there is no energy-time uncertainty relation of the required kind; therefore, the criticism mentioned is unjustified.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.