Daniel and Kelly’s Extraordinary Universe What is post-quantum gravity?
Jan 16, 2025
Jonathan Oppenheim, a physics professor at University College London, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of post-quantum gravity. He explores the unpredictable nature of gravity and its paradoxes, particularly in relation to black holes. The conversation highlights the challenges of merging quantum mechanics with classical theories, inviting creative approaches to visualization. Oppenheim emphasizes the philosophical implications of randomness in our universe and the ongoing quest for a unified understanding of space and time.
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Need for Unified Theory
- General relativity and quantum mechanics are inconsistent and cannot both be correct descriptions of nature.
- Their incompatibility becomes significant when considering quantum behavior of larger particles, like gold atoms in superposition.
Quantum Mechanics vs. General Relativity
- Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of small particles, which can exist in superpositions, like a gold atom being in multiple places at once.
- General relativity, our theory of gravity, struggles to describe this behavior.
Spacetime Contradiction
- Gravity is the bending of spacetime caused by large objects.
- Small objects in superposition lack definite positions, creating a contradiction for spacetime curvature.