

The Universe would be composed of a quantum superposition of very many, possibly non-communicating, parallel universes or quantum worlds. Instead, it derives many possible parallel universes, where all of the possible linear combinations (superpositions) of the wave function are expressed. However, the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics, initially formulated by Everett, denies the collapse of the wave function. This means that when a particle is measured, the wave function no longer describes it (or appears to no longer describe it, according to decoherence) and the particle will be found in only one place.

This can also be explained by decoherence when a particle interacts with its environment. In quantum mechanics, wave function collapse occurs when the position or momentum is observed. For example, if the position of a particle is known exactly, its momentum cannot be determined at the same time. This is known as the Heisenberg uncertainty principle after the scientist who formulated it. The measurement of a particle’s position and time is associated with an uncertainty that says that the more precisely the particle’s position is determined, the less precisely its momentum can be determined. In a similar way, physicists and physical chemists have been able to compute the table of elements with the possible stable elements in this Universe. The plots show isosurfaces of a few wave functions. Orbitals with l = 2 are called d orbitals, which show an even more complicated angular dependency. Orbitals with l = 1 are denoted p orbitals and show a clear angular dependency. The orbitals with the quantum number l = 0 are always spherically symmetric. Linear combinations (superposition) of wave functions are also solutions to the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom. Wave functions for single electrons are called orbitals. Solving the Schrödinger equation (3) in spherical polar coordinates gives the wave function (4). The wave functions for different energy levels, E n, can be expressed as products of the spherical harmonics (Y l,m) and the amplitude (F l), where l denotes the quantum number for the total angular momentum and m denotes the z-component of the angular momentum. The potential energy, V, for the electron depends only on the radius and the wave function can be formulated in spherical polar coordinates (4). For definite energy states (2), we can re-write the equation in a time-harmonic form, thus giving (3). The time-dependent Schrödinger equation with the wave function denoted ψ (1). Let us look at an example of the formulation of the Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom: For example, electron density wave functions result in orbital probability functions for atoms and molecules. In quantum mechanics, the solutions to the Schrödinger equation, the wave functions, result in probability functions for the position of elementary particles in time and space through linear combinations of wave functions. It would not be beyond the realms of possibility that somewhere outside of our own universe lies another different universe - and in that universe, Zayn is still in One Direction.”īefore we continue analyzing Hawking’s answer, though, let’s look into two of the exciting theories that predict parallel universes. Because one day there may well be proof of multiple universes. His answer was brilliant, empathetic, and gave an incredibly entertaining teaser to theoretical physics: “My advice to any heartbroken young girl is to pay close attention to the study of theoretical physics. It has to do with the prediction of parallel universes, where we, in an infinite number of worlds, could find worlds that are almost identical to ours but with all possible permutations and differences, much like the 410-page books in The Library of Babel by Borges.ĭuring a recent event, Stephen Hawking was asked by an interviewer about the cosmological implications of Zayn leaving One Direction, breaking the hearts of millions of girls. What is the relation between the extremely popular band One Direction, quantum mechanics, and cosmology? Stephen Hawking may just have explained this relation in one of his recent talks at the Sydney Opera House.
