The Path Integral and Smooth Paths in Quantum Mechanics

1min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Key takeaways

Transcript

Episode notes

In quantum mechanics, the amplitude to go from initial to final conditions is derived by summing over every possible path, including discontinuous paths.
Smooth paths that take you from initial to final state in quantum mechanics have a measure of zero contribution to the path integral.
The fact that the world obeys the laws of physics should not be attributed to surprisingness or improbability.

Welcome to the June 2023 Ask Me Anything episode of Mindscape! These monthly excursions are funded by Patreon supporters (who are also the ones asking the questions). We take questions asked by Patreons, whittle them down to a more manageable number -- based primarily on whether I have anything interesting to say about them, not whether the questions themselves are good -- and sometimes group them together if they are about a similar topic. Enjoy!

Post with questions and full transcript: https://www.preposterousuniverse.com/podcast/2023/06/05/ama-june-2023/

Support Mindscape on Patreon.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.