Gao, Shan (2011) The Wave Function and Its Evolution. [Preprint]
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Abstract
The meaning of the wave function and its evolution are investigated. First, we argue that the wave function in quantum mechanics is a description of random discontinuous motion of particles, and the modulus square of the wave function gives the probability density of the particles being in certain locations in space. Next, we show that the linear non-relativistic evolution of the wave function of an isolated system obeys the free Schrödinger equation due to the requirements of spacetime translation invariance and relativistic invariance. Thirdly, we argue that the random discontinuous motion of particles may lead to a stochastic, nonlinear collapse evolution of the wave function. A discrete model of energy-conserved wavefunction collapse is proposed and shown consistent with existing experiments and our macroscopic experience. Besides, we also give a critical analysis of the de Broglie-Bohm theory, the many-worlds interpretation and other dynamical collapse theories, and briefly discuss the issues of unifying quantum mechanics and relativity.
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| Item Type: | Preprint | ||||||
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| Additional Information: | 69 pages. | ||||||
| Keywords: | wave function, Schrödinger's equation, wavefunction collapse, random discontinuous motion of particles, de Broglie-Bohm theory, many-worlds interpretation, dynamical collapse theories | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism General Issues > Laws of Nature General Issues > Philosophers of Science Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
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| Depositing User: | Dr. Shan Gao | ||||||
| Date Deposited: | 09 Sep 2011 12:05 | ||||||
| Last Modified: | 09 Sep 2011 12:05 | ||||||
| Item ID: | 8776 | ||||||
| Subjects: | General Issues > Determinism/Indeterminism General Issues > Laws of Nature General Issues > Philosophers of Science Specific Sciences > Physics > Quantum Mechanics |
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| Date: | 9 September 2011 | ||||||
| URI: | https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8776 |
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