Yennie's Shifting Masterpost

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19 | He/They/She | Shifter

Foundation of Quantum Physics

Before I start, I would like to offer a derealization warning in advance. Stay safe!

Quantum physics is the study of the universe and its matter at the subatomic level, which includes particles such as molecules, atoms, electrons, neutrons, and protons. These simple particles make up every facet of our life, not only on Earth but throughout the universe.

In quantum physics, each of those particles is broken down into waves, or as they're more commonly called, wave functions. Wave functions are abstract mathematical waves that have no actual physical meaning and are used in quantum equations. They simply represent the wave of a particle. Using equations and wave functions, we can determine the probability of particle movement within the universe.

A common use of wave functions within quantum physics is using them to determine probability. Using probability distribution, we can analyze a wave function and make predictions about where a certain particle will be at a certain point in time.

While probability distribution can help us predict the movement of a wave function, it is only a prediction, as wave function movement is unable to be properly observed within our environment. This triggers a wave function collapse within the quantum system. Wave functions are initially in a state of superposition until they are observed within our environment, which triggers said collapse.

When a wave function in superposition collapses, it enters a single defined state. For example, a wave function while in superposition is in both locations X and Y at the same moment. When we observe the wave function, it collapses and leaves superposition, with the wave function only found at location X and not Y.

Why is there a wave function collapse when wavefunctions are observed? When wave functions are in a superposition, they are located within the quantum realm, a system that is unobservable. There is a hypothetical wall separating said realm from our current, observable realm. This hypothetical wall is often known as the measurement barrier and is an important aspect in the measurement problem. Following the collapse, the wave function is observable in our realm. However, due to the measurement problem, we are unable to determine when or how the wave function collapse occurs, giving rise to various quantum theories.

Another important term in quantum physics is quantum entanglement. Quantum entanglement occurs when two separate wave functions or particles strongly correlate, thus losing their individual quantum states and becoming a single unified wave function, instead. When these two particles become entangled, the measurements of one particle automatically influences the other, regardless of the distance between the two particles. A common way to induce quantum entanglement is through nuclear decay, a process that automatically produces entangled particles.

Quantum Theories

Quantum theories are theories used to explain different phenomena within quantum physics. They are beneficial in understanding and learning about quantum physics as a whole. While they are called theories, it is important to remember that theories in science are different from what we normally refer to as "theories." Scientific theories explain aspects of science based on already known information, and have significant scientific backing behind them.

The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that one cannot know all things about a particle at the same time. The more precisely known a particle's position is, the less is known about its momentum, and vice versa. Due to this principle, it is impossible to precisely measure both a particle's position and momentum. The principle also rejects classical physics laws by proving that the universe is not deterministic, and is instead unpredictable.

The Copenhagen Interpretation is a quantum theory that describes wave function collapse. It states that the wave function is the complete description of a particle; any information not derived from the wave function does not exist. It also states that when a wave function is observed and measured, its wave function collapses. The Copenhagen Interpretation shows that the quantum world is pure probability and reality isn't objective.

The Many Worlds Interpretation is a quantum theory that describes wave function collapse. While in superposition, a wave function is currently in all states at once. Following a wave function collapse, the wave function enters a single state. The Many Worlds Interpretation states that instead of said wave function entering a single state, it is instead the branching of the universe for every state that exists; in short, it branches into multiple alternate realities for each possible outcome. By observing a wave function, it causes reality to branch. In the Many Worlds Interpretation, the wave function is constantly branching, leading to a near-infinite amount of alternate or parallel realities.

The Von Neumann-Wigner Interpretation is a quantum theory that describes wave function collapse. It can be applied to both the Copenhagen and Many Worlds Interpretations, and states that consciousness is necessary in order to complete quantum measurement.

The Schrödinger's Cat Paradox is a thought experiment regarding quantum physics. In short, while the cat is within the box, it is both dead and alive at the same time until observed. Once observed, the cat is in a single state, either dead or alive, never both. The state the cat is in while unobserved is the state of superposition. Under Copenhagens Interpretation, the cat exits the state of superposition once observed, entering either one of the states but never both. Under the Many Worlds Interpretation, once the superposition is observed, it triggers the wave function collapse and the wave function splits into two realities: one where the cat is alive, and one where the cat is dead.

The Observer Effect is a quantum theory. An observer is one who observes a quantum system without interfering with the system in any way. An experiment detailing this effect is the Double Slit Experiment, where observation affects the behavior of particles. Particles often behave like waves, but under observation, they are forced to behave like particles and not waves. Observation alone, without any other interference, affects the outcome of the quantum system. Therefore, the Observer Effect concludes that observation affects reality.

In addition to these quantum theories, there are many others used to explain the phenomena within quantum physics; though, these are the most widely regarded. It is dependent on a person to choose which quantum theory to believe in, but a highly accepted theory is the Many Worlds Interpretation. Such interpretation of quantum physics is supported by various renowned physicists, such as Stephen Hawking and Sean Carroll. It is also important to note that many other physicists support the existence of the multiverse, such as Michio Kaku and Brian Greene.

Shifting and Quantum Physics

How does quantum physics connect to shifting? And, how does it prove its existence?

Firstly, it is widely acknowledged within the quantum physics field that there exists a multiverse (as stated by Hawking, Kaku, etc.). As such, this backs the multiverse perspective of shifting.

Now, let's view shifting with a perspective of science. As we exist, our bodies are constantly experiencing nuclear decay and producing quantum entanglements. Because of this, our wave function is constantly branching and collapsing. You may have heard the phrase, "we are constantly shifting," and this describes said branching. We are constantly and infinitely shifting many times per second due to the constant collapsing and branching of the wave functions within our bodies, regardless of whether we intend to or not.

So, how can we use quantum physics to our advantage in shifting?

One of the most common ways to shift is through methods. Through methods, we can reach a quantum state commonly known as the void state. While in the void state, you exist in a state of superposition, not in a single defined location but also all at once. Once in the void state, we can use quantum physics to our advantage to choose which reality we branch to. As our observations and measurements cause the wave function to collapse and enter a single state, you can apply that to shifting by choosing to "observe" your desired reality. By observing your desired reality, you will have caused the wave function to collapse and (by the Many Worlds Interpretation) the universe to branch, branching you into the reality you chose to observe and away from the state you were previously in.

Testimonials from Physicists

Below are testimonials of various physicists and their interpretations of the multiverse, quantum mechanics, consciousness, and more.

Michio Kaku, PhD, speaks on consciousness, Wigner's Friend, and the Schrödinger's Cat Paradox: "If I, a human being, look at the cat, I am conscious. Therefore, consciousness determines existence." Source

Sean Carroll, PhD, speaks on the multiverse: "In science, essentially nothing is certain, it's not like logical, mathematical proofs. But, putting that aside and saying, sort of, beyond reasonable doubt level of certainty, I'm quite convinced in the idea of multiple universes in the quantum mechanical world. The idea that there's a wave function that splits into multiple branches, the Many Worlds or Everett interpretation of quantum mechanics. In the way I think about it, and the way that the advocates of Everett think about it, those are absolutely real. I think it's, far in a way, the best theory." Source

Brian Greene, PhD, speaks on the multiverse: "Speculative though the idea surely is, I aim to convince you that there's reason for taking it seriously, as it just might be right. [On string theory] Here's the idea, maybe, each of these shapes is on an equal footing with every other, each is as real as every other in the sense that there are many universes, each with a different shape." Source

Max Tegmark, professor at MIT, speaks on the physics of consciousness: "A large fraction of the things we are stuck on in physics... actually have to do with what it means to be an observer. There's been this kind of prejudice that consciousness is just a bunch of flaky-whoey that physicists shouldn't talk about, and that we could somehow get away with not talking about it. My guess is that the subjective experience that we call consciousness is the way that information feels when being processed..." Source

Final Thoughts

While it is nigh impossible for me to summarize both an entire science and an entire practice into a single document, I simplified it to the best of my ability. There is so much we still don't know about both quantum physics and reality shifting, so it's important for us to keep learning about both to enrich our understanding of them.

If you are interested in furthering your understanding of quantum physics and the multiverse, I recommend reading the following physicists' works: Stephen Hawking, Hugh Everett III, Sean Carroll, Niels Bohr, Brian Greene, Max Tegmark, and Michio Kaku.

Sources

Caltech. "What is Quantum Physics?" Caltech Science Exchange

Cho, Adrian. "Quantum experiment in space confirms that reality is what you make it." Science, 2017.

Siegel, Ethan. "In Quantum Physics, Even Humans Act as Waves." RealClear Science, 2020.

Wood, Charlie. "Physicists Study How Universes Might Bubble Up and Collide." Quanta Magazine, 2021.

Webb, Richard. "Quantum Physics." NewScientist.

Domain of Science. "If You Don't Understand Quantum Physics, Try This!" 2019.

Sutter, Paul. "What is quantum entanglement?" LiveScience, 2021.

LibreTexts. "Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle." 2021.

Stanford. "Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2019.

Carroll, Sean. "Sean Carroll explains: what is the many-worlds interpretation?" Science & Cocktails, 2020.

Veritasium. "Parallel Worlds Probably Exist. Here’s Why." 2020.

University of Oregon. "Copenhagen Interpretation."

Ash, Arvin. "Does Consciousness Create Reality? Double Split experiment may show the Answer." 2019.

Wikipedia. "Von Neumann-Wigner interpretation." 2022.

NASA. "Observer in Modern Physics."

Weizmann Institute of Science. "Quantum Theory Demonstrated: Observation Affects Reality." ScienceDaily, 1998.