3 ms·
How do you predict which atom decays next from there?
by RandomLensman 3mo ago
How do you predict which atom decays next from there?
- GoblinSlayer 3mo agoSince the decayed state exists, then any. Your question tries to assume sqrt(exp(-t/T))=0, which is false.
- RandomLensman 3mo agoMy point was that we cannot predict which atom decays next. If you want to claim that we could predict which specific atom decays next, I'd really like to see a lot more explaintion and exposition as it would upend current understanding.
- GoblinSlayer 3mo agoThe trick is that you can't predict something that doesn't happen even if you feel otherwise.
- RandomLensman 3mo agoAtoms don't decay? Radioactive decay isn't a thing? But at least we agree there is nothing we can predict.
- GoblinSlayer 3mo agoWe can predict decay process as sqrt(1-exp(-t/T))|1> + sqrt(exp(-t/T))|0>
- RandomLensman 3mo agoIf I were to give you ten atoms of Po210, could you tell me which one will be next to turn into Pb206. What's your algorithm to do that?
- GoblinSlayer 3mo agoMy algorithm is at least to not predict it as not what it is. All ten atoms decay according to the formula above.