Basics
What is quantum entanglement?
When two or more particles become linked. Their states are dependent on the other and affected instantaneously
What happens when two particles interact?
Their wave functions overlap and form a joint wave function.
What is a wave function?
A mathematical expression that describes all the possible states of a particle.
What is the Many-Worlds Interpretation?
A theory that says every quantum possibility splits reality into parallel universes
What is Superposition?
When particles exist in all possible states at once until measured
What is a joint wave function?
A single wave function describing the whole entangled system rather than two separate ones.
What does a wave function represent?
The probability of where and what state a particle might be in.
What does the many-worlds interpretation say happens when a measurement occurs?
The universe splits into versions where each possible outcome happens
What did Einstein call Entanglement?
When two particles are quantumly entangled, how does the measurement of one particle affect the other?
Measuring one instantly determines the outcome of the other
What causes wave function collapse (in the Copenhagen interpretation)?
Measuring or observing the particle forces it into one definite state.
What is a quantum split?
The branching off of the universe into different versions when a quantum decision is made.
What is the misconception about faster-than-light communication?
People think entanglement sends signals faster than light, but it jumps from one particle to the other
Why do entangled particles show the same state after separation?
Because they remain described by a joint wave function until measurement.
What does the Copenhagen interpretation say about wave collapse?
That the wave function is just a tool for predicting probabilities and collapses upon observation.
How does Many-Worlds explain entanglement without wave collapse?
Each entangled outcome happens in a separate branch of the multiverse.
What does non-locality mean in quantum entanglement?
That entangled particles affect each other instantly across space, without a physical signal.
What’s an example of a quantum interaction leading to entanglement?
Two particles that come into contact and exchange spin or polarization become entangled.
What is the universal wave function?
A wave function that describes the entire universe.
Why do critics reject the multiverse theory?
It’s hard to test or observe, and it implies infinite unprovable worlds.