Classical Physics Research Articles

Philosophical Aspects of Time in Modern Physics

In classical physics, the concept of time appeared to be well-understood. With space, it provided a kind of stage where the events followed each other in an orderly way. The introduction of relativity and quantum mechanics profoundly changed this intuitive view. To address these challenges, the Aristotelian vision of time and the now is a promising starting point. His approach is compatible with the absence of absolute time and time's granularity, required by relativity and quantum mechanics, respectively. Several issues, like Einstein’s point coincidence argument and Wheeler's delayed choice experiment, enter the discussion. The Aristotelian approach appears to lead to a novel understanding of time in modern physics.

Quantization and the Preservation of Structure across Theory Change

Abstract This article presents a novel sense in which theoretical structure has been preserved across the transition from classical to quantum physics. I import mathematical tools from category theory that have been used for structural comparisons in the context of theoretical equivalence and apply these tools to new situations involving theory change. The structural preservation takes the form of a categorical equivalence between categories of models of classical and quantum physics. I situate the significance of this structural preservation in terms of prospects for theory construction in quantum physics.

Robert Rosen’s Relational Biology Theory and His Emphasis on Non-Algorithmic Approaches to Living Systems

This paper examines the use of algorithms and non-algorithmic models in mathematics and science, especially in biology, during the past century by summarizing the gradual development of a conceptual rationale for non-algorithmic models in biology. First, beginning a century ago, mathematicians found it impossible to constrain mathematics in an algorithmic straitjacket via öö’s Incompleteness Theorems, so how would it be possible in biology? By the 1930s, biology was resolutely imitating classical physics, with biologists enforcing a reductionist agenda to expunge function, purpose, teleology, and vitalism from biology. Interestingly, physicists and mathematicians often understood better than biologists that mathematical representations of living systems required different approaches than those of dead matter. Nicolas Rashevsky, the Father of Mathematical Biology, and Robert Rosen, his student, pointed out that the complex systems of life cannot be reduced to machines or mechanisms as per the Newtonian paradigm. Robert Rosen concluded that living systems are not amenable to algorithmic models that are primarily syntactical. Life requires semantics for its description. Rashevsky and Rosen pioneered Relational Biology, initially using Graph Theory to model living systems. Later, Rosen created a metabolic–repair model (M, R)-system using Category Theory to encode the basic entailments of life itself. Although reductionism still dominates in current biology, several subsequent authors have built upon the Rashevsky–Rosen intellectual foundation and have explained, extended, and explored its ramifications. Algorithmic formulations have become increasingly inadequate for investigating and modeling living systems. Biology is shifting from a science of simple systems to complex ones. This transition will only be successful once mathematics fully depicts what it means to be alive. This paper is a call to mathematicians from biologists asking for help in doing this.

Quantum Entanglement and Nonlocality: Challenging the Local Realism of Classical Physics

Abstract. This paper delves into the significance and impact of quantum entanglement across the fields of physics, information science, and philosophy. Utilizing a literature review approach, the paper first introduces the concept and historical background of quantum entanglement, emphasizing its challenge to the limitations of classical physics and its potential applications in quantum communication and quantum computing. This paper thoroughly explains the theoretical foundations of the Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen experiment and Bell's inequality, along with related experimental validations and key results. In particular, it elucidates how quantum entanglement reveals the nonlocality in quantum mechanics and the characteristics of nonlocal information transfer. The discussion then shifts to the challenge quantum entanglement poses to physical ontology, exploring the philosophical implications and the new perspectives it offers in information theory. Finally, this study concludes by summarizing the profound impact of quantum entanglement as one of the most challenging and inspiring research areas in contemporary physics on scientific theory and philosophical thought, as well as anticipating future research directions and potential applications.

On the Possibility of Scientific Philosophy for Satisfactory Solution of the Problem of Interrelation of Classical and Quantum Physics

As we know the main results of quantum physics in 1900 Planck began to obtain mainly because of the need to describe the experimental data. Therefore, it further became necessary to obtain theoretical justifications for these results. This means to obtain proofs of these results on the basis of the basic equations of theoretical physics, i.e. equations that are obtained on the way where the right choice of results is made performing the role of the basis of the theory of thought. As is known, these problems began to be solved, taking as a basis the possibilities of the following new ideas of Bohr. That quantum physics should be considered as a generalization of classical physics. But as we know, this path led to the results of matrix mechanics. Results for which such contradiction as non-commutativity of multiplication is inherent. In this paper for obtaining proofs for the results of Planck's quantum physics the fundamental ideas in the field of scientific philosophy were taken as a basis. That is philosophy where from the very beginning for the basis of the theory of thinking the possibilities of equations of algebra and arithmetic are accepted

Research on the Correlation between Quantum Entanglement and Thinking Consciousness

The development of quantum technology has profoundly influenced research on consciousness. By analyzing the interaction of various microscopic particles in the universe, the article proposed that all things exhibit interconnected non-locality in both time and space, and that the interrelated connections of everything in the universe are based on quantum entanglement. Through analysis of the cellular and nervous system functions of organisms, as well as the influence of quantum science theories on consciousness and combined with research results in related fields, this paper presents the following viewpoints: first, life bodies exhibit quantum entanglement phenomena. Second, biological electricity phenomena are closely tied to consciousness. Third, both life bodies and non-life bodies are conscious, but different entities exhibit varying degrees of strong and weak consciousness. The strong and weak thinking consciousness influences the fluctuation of quantum and the size of quantum entanglement degree. Quantum fluctuations affect the consciousness of both life bodies and non-life bodies, and the entanglement quantum influences the degree of inductance between each other. Finally, the combination of quantum entanglement technology and thinking consciousness can realize the interconnection between human beings and the universe. Consciousness may affect the results measured in quantum mechanics when people observe. However, the macroscopic world mainly adopts the laws of classical physics to solve problems in life. Under certain conditions, the law of quantum physics and the law of classical physics can affect people’s lives together. No matter what angle we view the material world, it is real, and the universe is not illusory.

Simulating unsteady flows on a superconducting quantum processor

Recent advancements of quantum technologies have triggered tremendous interest in exploring practical quantum advantage. The simulation of fluid dynamics, a highly challenging problem in classical physics but vital for practical applications, emerges as a potential direction. Here, we report an experiment on the digital simulation of unsteady flows with a superconducting quantum processor. The quantum algorithm is based on the Hamiltonian simulation using the hydrodynamic formulation of the Schrödinger equation. With the median fidelities of 99.97% and 99.67% for parallel single- and two-qubit gates respectively, we simulate the dynamics of a two-dimensional (2D) compressible diverging flow and a 2D decaying vortex with ten qubits. Note that the former case is an inviscid potential flow, and the latter one is an artificial vortical flow with an external body force. The experimental results well capture the temporal evolution of averaged density and momentum profiles, and qualitatively reproduce spatial flow fields with moderate noises. This work demonstrates the potential of quantum computing in simulating more complex flows, such as turbulence, for practical applications.

Investigating the Inharmonicity of Piano Strings

In classical physics, ideal string vibrations are modelled using the harmonic series, yet real mode frequencies deviate from the integer set of harmonics due to string stiffness, known as inharmonicity. This work investigates this phenomenon in five piano strings on a Yamaha GB1 Grand Piano. Using the audio software Audacity for spectral analysis, the inharmonicity coefficient is determined experimentally and theoretically based on string properties. These values are comparable with previous research, offering insights into tuning techniques to minimise dissonant inharmonicity. Possible innovations from inharmonicity research are explored, with suggestions such as the temperature-dependent self-tuning systems for acoustic pianos.

Void Almanac: A Political-Geologic Rubbing of Nuclear Testing in Mississippi

Although classical physics states that the void lacks matter or energy, the misunderstanding of emptiness as a spatial concept extends far beyond the sciences. The essay explores the concept of empty space, debunking classical physics’ notion of voidness by delving into quantum mechanics, where energy and particles continually manifest through a site investigation of the Salmon & Sterling Nuclear Test Site (located in Lumberton, MS, USA). This revelation challenges colonial ideologies, exemplified by terra nullius, which justified empire-building by claiming certain lands devoid of inhabitants. Operating through a political-geological exploration of repetitive cycles of extraction, speculation, and vacancy at the Salmon & Sterling Site spanning from the Mesozoic Era to the present day, I scrutinize spatial constructions and their reinforcement of prevailing socio-political systems. Juxtaposed against Faulkner’s Southern Gothic literature and Sartre’s existentialism, this essay underscores a modern dialectic between spatial arrangements and anticipations of cataclysmic endings. Through a passenger-traveler account of void-encounter, I propose a reconsideration of “emptiness” through examining its broader spatio-temporal origins and implications in relation to the nuclear detonations. This perspective allows for the synthesis of the inherent paradox of this site: initially conceived from Cold War anxieties to solidify social structures, yet also harboring unpredictable and potentially mutant futures.

Is the Wavefunction Already an Object on Space?

Since the discovery of quantum mechanics, the fact that the wavefunction is defined on the 3n-dimensional configuration space rather than on the 3-dimensional space has seemed uncanny to many, including Schrödinger, Lorentz, and Einstein. Even today, this continues to be seen as a significant issue in the foundations of quantum mechanics. In this article, it will be shown that the wavefunction is, in fact, a genuine object on space. While this may seem surprising, the wavefunction does not possess qualitatively new features that were not previously encountered in objects known from Euclidean geometry and classical physics. The methodology used involves finding equivalent reinterpretations of the wavefunction exclusively in terms of objects from the geometry of space. The result is that we will find the wavefunction to be equivalent to geometric objects on space in the same way as was always the case in geometry and physics. This will be demonstrated to hold true from the perspective of Euclidean geometry, but also within Felix Klein’s Erlangen Program, which naturally fits into the classification of quantum particles by the representations of spacetime isometries, as realized by Wigner and Bargmann, adding another layer of confirmation. These results lead to clarifications in the debates about the ontology of the wavefunction. From an empirical perspective, we already take for granted that all quantum experiments take place in space. I suggest that the reason why this works is that they can be interpreted naturally and consistently with the results presented here, showing that the wavefunction is an object on space.

Investigating Students’ Conceptual Knowledge of Quantum Physics to Improve the Teaching and Learning Process

Research in the field of quantum physics is important for progress in many areas of exploration and development. Quantum computers and other quantum devices are promising technologies with numerous potential applications. On the other hand, understanding, interpreting, teaching, and learning quantum physics as part of an educational process is a major challenge. In the Republic of Croatia, students usually come in contact with the concepts of quantum physics towards the end of their high school education. These concepts are often abstract and represent a remarkable leap from the theories of classical physics. The aim of this study is to test the measurement properties of the instrument used to assess the progress of understanding and knowledge of quantum physics in a sample of Croatian high school students. The quantum physics conceptual survey (QPCS), developed and first tested in 2006 by Wuttiprom et al. at the University of Sydney, was the instrument we used in this study. The test was administered to 76 high school students. The results show that the QPCS test is valid and generally reliable in the context of Croatian secondary education, but for the topics Waves and particles and Uncertainty principle, the reliability needs further investigation. The results of the pretest and posttest were analysed and compared with each other and with previously published results. Quantitative methods were used to analyse the results obtained. We present several possible solutions to improve the teaching process, that we expect will lead to better results, especially for topics that are challenging for students.

Student attitudes toward quantum information science and technology in a high school outreach program

[This paper is part of the Focused Collection in Investigating and Improving Quantum Education through Research.] With the current growth in quantum information science and technology (QIST), there is an increasing need to prepare precollege students for postsecondary QIST study and careers. This mixed methods, explanatory sequential research focused on students’ affective outcomes from a one-week, 25-h summer program for U.S. high school students in grades 10–12. The workshop structure was based upon psychosocial theories of self-determination and planned behavior, where QIST aspirations may be facilitated and viewed as achievable choices if students acquire disciplinary knowledge, self-efficacy, normative expectancy of their capacity in the field, and awareness of vocational roles. The program featured lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences in classical and quantum physics and quantum computing. Students’ attitudes toward QIST (N=77)—including self-efficacy, self-concept, relevance, career aspirations, and perceptions of quantitative fluency—showed improvement with a medium effect size, even though treatment students entered the program with more positive QIST attitudes when compared with a control group of high school physics students (N=65). Postprogram interviews with n=12 participants identified several explanatory themes: (i) Students tended to comprehend classical and quantum topics taught through multiple representations, regardless of whether they had taken physics previously; (ii) students experienced some challenges with mathematics and science concepts that support quantum understanding, yet they revealed a willingness to learn new concepts outside of their comfort zone; (iii) students expressed motivation for pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and/or quantum-related careers in the future, as well as increased QIST self-concept, largely through understanding the relevance of QIST in solving technological problems; and (iv) students reported increased self-efficacy in understanding QIST topics and performing related tasks. This informal summer program showed promise in promoting positive student attitudes toward QIST, a critical emerging field in advancing technological solutions for global challenges. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Determinism in Current Physics. Is It Possible?

We discuss the possibilities of determinism in reality, taking under consideration both quantum and classical physics. We present this firstly by questioning the supposed nature of quantum physics as non-deterministic, following the proposal of Penrose: the collapse of the wavefunction interpreted as particular measurements which seem to indicate certain contingency does not actually give the full picture of the reality of the former. In addition to what Penrose suggests, we consider this collapse as part of a bigger deterministic picture. Secondly, we analyse the distinction between this microphysical scenario and our macrophysical experience, in the light of determinism as well. We suggest that this experience can be understood as particular “measurements” similar to what happens in quantum mechanics. For instance, the image of a person with certain identity features is a highlight or particularization of all the possibilities the identity of this person experienced, experiences and will experience through time. The “collapse” is thus linked to individuation, not less real, but incomplete of reality. By linking the domain of quantum physics in a deterministic fashion to the phenomenological or macrophysical realm, we aim to show that a non-contingent character of reality is possible when accepting measurements or particular instances of things as forms of comprehension given by the physical world (thus not just mere subjective interventions). We argue that the complete picture (closer to the wavefunction) cannot give distinctive information (understanding this as differentiation of elements, such as particles in the microphysical domain and a certain colour in the macrophysical one).

Sharkovskii’s theorem and the limits of digital computers for the simulation of chaotic dynamical systems

Chaos is a unique paradigm in classical physics within which systems exhibit extreme sensitivity to the initial conditions. Thus, they need to be handled using probabilistic methods commonly based on ensembles. However, initial conditions generated by digital computers fall within the sparse set of discrete IEEE floating point numbers which have non-uniform distributions along the real axis. Therefore, there are many missing initial conditions whose absence might be expected to degrade the computed statistical properties of chaotic systems. The universality of this problem is enshrined in Sharkovskii’s theorem which is the simplest mathematical statement of the fact that no finite number representation of a chaotic dynamical system can account for all of its properties and shows that the precision of the representation limits the accuracy of the resulting digital behaviour.

The emergence of symmetries in classical physics

Abstract Since antiquity symmetry has proved to be a central guiding idea of research with which the microcosm and macrocosm are to be explained. Euclidean mathematics established a unified theory of proportions of the world in which the spherical symmetries of the macrocosm and the regular (“Platonic”) bodies of the microcosm were distinguished. In the Pythagorean tradition symmetrical proportions were understood as an expression of the beauty and harmony of the cosmos until the Renaissance.

Physics simulation capabilities of LLMs

Large Language Models (LLMs) can solve some undergraduate-level to graduate-level physics textbook problems and are proficient at coding. Combining these two capabilities could one day enable AI systems to simulate and predict the physical world. We present an evaluation of state-of-the-art (SOTA) LLMs on PhD-level to research-level computational physics problems. We condition LLM generation on the use of well-documented and widely-used packages to elicit coding capabilities in the physics and astrophysics domains. We contribute ∼50 original and challenging problems in celestial mechanics (with REBOUND), stellar physics (with MESA), 1D fluid dynamics (with Dedalus) and non-linear dynamics (with SciPy). Since our problems do not admit unique solutions, we evaluate LLM performance on several soft metrics: counts of lines that contain different types of errors (coding, physics, necessity and sufficiency) as well as a more educational’ Pass-Fail metric focused on capturing the salient physical ingredients of the problem at hand. As expected, today's SOTA LLM (GPT4) zero-shot fails most of our problems, although about 40% of the solutions could plausibly get a passing grade. About 70%–90% of the code lines produced are necessary, sufficient and correct (coding & physics). Physics and coding errors are the most common, with some unnecessary or insufficient lines. We observe significant variations across problem class and difficulty. We identify several failure modes of GPT4 in the computational physics domain, such as poor physical units handling, poor code versioning, tendency to hallucinate plausible sub-modules, lack of physical justification for global run parameters (e.g., simulation time, or upper-lower bounds for parametric exploration) and inability to define steady-state or stopping conditions reliably. Our reconnaissance work provides a snapshot of current computational capabilities in classical physics and points to obvious improvement targets if AI systems are ever to reach a basic level of autonomy in physics simulation capabilities.

Exploring Students’ Openness Traits for Achieving Meaningful Learning in Modern Physics Concepts

Abstract This study aims to explore the openness traits possessed by students in realizing meaningful learning in modern physics learning. This study analyses how the openness traits possessed by learners contribute to mastery of modern physics concepts and relate them to classical physics concepts. Through quasi-experimental research methods, this study will analyze the correlation of openness traits possessed by students to the achievement of meaningful learning in modern physics concepts. This study found several findings in the form of a significant correlation between the openness traits possessed by students and the achievement of meaningful learning in the concepts of modern physical physics. Learners with higher openness tend to demonstrate a deeper understanding of complex concepts, engage more actively in critical thinking and problem-solving, and express tremendous enthusiasm for exploring advanced topics in modern physics. These students also often show a high willingness to collaborate and explore further related modern physics concepts to the relationship between classical and quantum physics. Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that fostering and cultivating openness traits among learners has a high impact on achieving learning, especially in modern physics concepts that demand a high level of conceptual understanding and analytical skills. Educators and institutions can leverage these findings to design more inclusive and engaging learning environments that encourage and support the development of openness traits among learners, ultimately improving their overall academic success and proficiency in modern physics concepts.

Relativity and quantum theory: Under the spell of today’s paradigms

Abstract Thomas S. Kuhn described the development of the (natural) sciences as a specific dynamical process. Periods of piecemeal growth of knowledge based on widely accepted paradigms are interrupted by bursts of revolutionary changes which lead to new paradigms incommensurate with the earlier ones. This process is briefly illustrated by recalling the changes to classical physics brought about by Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity on the one hand and by quantum theory on the other. Both theories represent fundamental paradigms of contemporary physics. They appear unshakeable to the working physicist but according to Kuhn their paradigmatic status is of a temporary nature only. Does Kuhn’s framework help to identify potential future revolutions?

The essential mystery - How an electron can be in more than one place at a time

Abstract Quantum mechanics is an extraordinarily successful scientific theory. But it is also completely mad. Its discovery forced us to confront all the cosy notions about physical reality that had been gained from our naïve interpretation of classical physics. Although the theory quite obviously works, it appears to leave us chasing ghosts and phantoms, particles that are waves and waves that are particles, cats that are at once both alive and dead, and lots of seemingly spooky goings-on. This paper is based on a talk delivered at the St Cross Centre for the History and Philosophy of Physics “The Nature of Quantum Reality” Conference in 2017. It addresses quantum theory’s only mystery and uses this as a platform to explore the Bohr-Einstein debate and the process of scientific theorising about the nature of quantum reality.

Super-resolution acoustic displacement metrology through topological pairs in orbital meta-atoms

The precise measurement of minute displacements using light is a common practice in modern science and technology. The utilization of sound for precision displacement metrology remains scarce due to the diffraction limit of half-wavelength, while it holds crucial applications in some specific scenarios, such as underwater environments, biological tissues, and complex machinery components. Here, we propose an approach to super-resolution acoustic displacement metrology by introducing the concept of topological pairs in orbital meta-atoms, drawing inspiration from the analogy of Cooper pairs observed in spinful electrons. The topological pairs are conjugately formed to create two distinct pathways in mode space that enable robust generation of interference. This allows the realization of acoustic analogue of Malus’s law and thereby enhances the resolution of displacement measurements. By incorporating a spiral twist configuration in orbital meta-atoms, we demonstrate the first acoustic prototype of a physical micrometer tailored for micron-scale displacement metrology. We observe experimentally a displacement resolving power of 1.2 μm at an audible frequency of 3.43 kHz, approximately 1/105 of the sound wavelength of 100 mm. Our work implies a new paradigm for precise displacement metrology within classical wave physics and lays the foundation for diverse acoustic applications.