Quantum Entanglement Explained

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Questions and Answers

What is the key characteristic of quantum entanglement that Einstein famously described?

  • Classical correlation
  • Local realism
  • Spooky action at a distance (correct)
  • Shared information

What happens to the state of one entangled particle when the state of the other is measured?

  • It gradually changes state
  • It becomes random
  • It remains unchanged
  • It collapses into the opposite state (correct)

What does the term 'non-local' nature refer to in the context of entanglement?

  • Particles existing in separate physical locations
  • Correlation between particles that cannot be explained by local theories (correct)
  • Particles interacting via classical communication
  • Particles having definite properties before measurement

Which of these is an example of particles that can be entangled?

<p>Photons (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does classical correlation differ from quantum entanglement?

<p>Classical correlation arises from shared information, while entanglement does not (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for entangled particles to exist in a 'superposition of states'?

<p>They can be in both possible states simultaneously. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the collapse of a superposition in entanglement?

<p>The measurement of one of the particles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenomenon of entangled particles instantly affecting each other, regardless of distance, commonly referred to as?

<p>Instantaneous Correlation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean for entangled particles to have a 'shared fate'?

<p>Their properties are linked, and measuring one instantly determines the other. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a direct contradiction to classical physics due to entanglement?

<p>Instantaneous correlation appearing to violate the speed of light limit. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Quantum Entanglement

A quantum phenomenon where two or more particles become linked, sharing the same fate regardless of distance.

Spooky Action at a Distance

The idea that the connection between entangled particles seems to travel faster than the speed of light, contradicting classical physics.

Instantaneous Correlation

Measurements on one entangled particle instantly affect the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them.

Shared Fate

If one entangled particle is measured to be in a specific state, the other is instantly known to be in the opposite state.

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Non-local Nature

Entanglement involves a correlation between particles that can't be explained by assuming they have definite properties before measurement.

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Superposition of States

Entangled particles exist in a superposition of states, having multiple possible values simultaneously.

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State Collapse

When a particle's state is measured, it instantly

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Quantum Correlation vs. Classical Correlation

Entanglement doesn't require communication or shared information; the link is inherent in the entangled states.

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Entanglement of Photons

Entangled photons can be created with linked polarization states.

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Entanglement of Electrons

Entanglement can be achieved between pairs of electrons, affecting their spin properties.

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Study Notes

Quantum Entanglement Explained

  • Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in quantum mechanics where two or more particles become linked, sharing the same fate regardless of distance.
  • It's like two magically linked coins; flipping one instantly reveals the outcome of the other, even if they are far apart.
  • Entanglement implies a deeper connection than shared information, unlike classical correlation.

Key Characteristics of Entanglement

  • Spooky Action at a Distance: Einstein called this "spooky action at a distance" due to the seemingly faster-than-light connection between entangled particles, violating classical physics.
  • Instantaneous Correlation: Measurements on one entangled particle instantaneously affect the other, regardless of distance.
  • Shared Fate: Measuring one entangled particle in a specific state immediately determines the opposite state for the other.
  • Non-local nature: Entanglement's correlation isn't explained by assuming particles have definite states before measurement, differing fundamentally from local theories.

How Entanglement Works (Simplified)

  • Entangled particles exist in a superposition of states, holding multiple possible values (like spin) simultaneously.
  • Measuring one particle's state forces the other's state to instantly collapse to the opposite value.
  • This collapse isn't predetermined; it's caused by the measurement.
  • The correlation isn't a signal traveling between them; it's a fundamental quantum feature.

Entanglement Examples

  • Photons: Pairs of photons can be entangled in polarization.
  • Electrons: Pairs of electrons can be entangled in spin.
  • Atoms: Entanglement between atoms is achievable.

Key Differences from Classical Correlation

  • Classical Correlation: Arises from shared information that can be communicated.
  • Quantum Entanglement: Doesn't require communication; the link is inherent in the entangled states.

Applications and Potential

  • Quantum Computing: Entanglement is vital for building quantum computers, using entangled qubits for computations surpassing classical limits.
  • Quantum Cryptography: Entanglement enables secure communication; eavesdropping disturbs the entanglement, making it detectable.
  • Quantum Teleportation: Entanglement facilitates teleporting quantum states without physically moving particles. Classical information transmitting the state details is needed.

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