Quantum entanglement is counterintuitive phenomenon in quantum physics where two particles become profoundly linked, such that a change in one particle instantly affects the other—even if they are separated by billions of light-years. This effect occurs regardless of the distance, meaning that an action performed on one particle will be reflected in the other, instantaneously. In 1964, physicist John Bell introduced the idea that these instant changes could indeed be real and measurable, even at extreme distances, formulating what is now known as Bell’s theorem. This theory challenged the established laws of physics, particularly the principle that information cannot travel faster than the speed of light—a principle confirmed by Albert Einstein decades earlier. Einstein famously referred to quantum entanglement as “spooky action at a distance.” What is Quantum Entanglement? Quantum entanglement hinges on a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics called superposition, which means that particles can exist in multiple states at once until measured or observed. Think of a coin flip: after flipping the coin but before looking at it, we know it will land either heads or tails, but the exact outcome is unknown. In quantum terms, this “unknown” extends further—it’s as if the coin doesn’t settle on heads or tails until you actually observe it. Superposition is essential for understanding entanglement because it shows how quantum particles do not have fixed properties until observed. Entanglement takes this concept a step further by linking two particles in a special superposition that connects them across space. In our coin example, imagine two coins, one in New York and the other on Mars, are entangled. Flip the coin in New York and observe it, and the coin on Mars would instantly “know” the result, even though it hasn’t been flipped. This entangled state between two locations is unique to quantum mechanics and defies our everyday experience. Examples of Quantum Entanglement One common example of entanglement is with pairs of photons (particles of light) emitted simultaneously from a single source. When photons are entangled, their polarizations—the direction in which they oscillate—are linked. If you measure the polarization of one photon to be horizontal, the other, when measured, will also be horizontal, regardless of the distance between them. In simple terms, imagine these photons like two dice always landing on matching numbers when rolled, no matter how far apart they are. Polarization is a property related to the oscillation of the light wave’s electric field as it moves through space. It can oscillate in various directions—vertically, horizontally, or anywhere in between. So, when entangled photons are separated, and one’s polarization is measured, the other’s polarization will match, as if “knowing” the first measurement result instantly. Is Quantum Entanglement Faster than the Speed of Light? At first glance, entanglement appears to allow information to be transmitted faster than light. If we measure one entangled photon on Earth and its pair on Pluto, it should take about six hours for information to travel between them at light speed. However, the second photon’s measurement will still match the first, no matter the distance or delay, suggesting an instant connection. However, this does not mean information is truly traveling faster than light. Scientists believe it’s not a case of “transmitting” information but rather a natural correlation set up when the particles became entangled. Think of it as two pre-agreed cards, one red and one black, shuffled and given to two people on opposite sides of the galaxy. When one person checks their card, they know the color of the other’s card without sending any information. Similarly, when we measure entangled particles, it’s as though they “knew” to match up, but nothing traveled to convey this. It shows that particles can be connected in ways that don’t fit into classical models of cause and effect or distance. This has led to numerous experiments aiming to understand if space and time are fundamental properties or emergent ones. If the principles behind entanglement are better understood, it could revolutionize theories of the universe and lead to a new framework that unites quantum mechanics with general relativity. Have Scientists Proven Quantum Entanglement? For over 50 years, scientists have tried to experimentally test Bell’s theorem. In 2015, physicists conducted one of the most precise tests to date, finding strong evidence that particles in an entangled state do indeed influence each other, supporting Bell’s theory. A 2022 study reinforced this further, showing that any realistic model of the universe that includes “hidden variables” (unknown factors that might explain these phenomena) must allow for the “spooky” influence between entangled particles. This ongoing research confirms that quantum entanglement is real and measurable, even though it still defies our classic understanding of space, time, and causality. The post How Quantum Entanglement Works and the Nature of Reality appeared first on Anomalien.com.