Showing papers in "Physics Essays in 1994"

The Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen Paradox in the Brain: The Transferred Potential

Abstract: Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (EPR) correlations between human brains are studied to verify if the brain has a macroscopic quantum component. Pairs of subjects were allowed to interact and were then separated inside semisilent Faraday chambers 14.5 m apart when their EEG activity was registered. Only one subject of each pair was stimulated by lOO flashes. When the stimulated subject showed distinct evoked potentials, the nonstimulated subject showed "transferred potentials" similar to those evoked in the stimulated subject. Control subjects showed no such transferred potentials. The transferred potentials demonstrate brain-to-brain nonlocal EPR correlation between brains, supporting the brain's quantum nature at the macrolevel.

The Matter of Creation

Abstract: Walker has recently suggested modifying the subquantum kinetics matter-creation process with the aim of devising a steady-state creation cosmology. However, I believe that his paper unintentionally misrepresents the subquantum kinetics approach. The present paper addresses those errors and clarifies some aspects of matter/energy creation and destruction in subquantum kinetics. Inconsistencies in Walker's cosmology are also pointed out. Resume Walker a recemment suggere d'altere le proces de matiere creation du subquantum kinetics avec l'objective d'invente un (steady-state) creation cosmologie. Pourtant, je croit que son proposition mal represente sans intention l'approach de subquantum kinetics. Le present papier s'addresse au ces fauxes et explique des aspect du proces de matiere/energie creation et destruction de subquantum kinetics. Des inconsistances dans le cosmologie du Walker sont aussi designer.

The Fight Against the Second Law of Thermodynamics

Abstract: After presenting possible motives for fighting against the second law of thermodynamics, several attempts to beat this law are analyzed. The second law wins, but an interesting interpretation of it emerges. This interpretation uses the notion of ``encoded order'' and claims that whether a system is or is not in thermodynamic equilibrium depends on the coordinates which the observer decides to measure. This interpretation may not be new, but most present day physicists seem to be unaware of it. The question of subjectivity of entropy and the connection between the present interpretation and ``algorithmic randomness'' are addressed. Key words: Maxwell's demon, perpetuum mobile, subjectivity, entropy, H-theorem, randomness, complexity, information.

On the Arbitrary Choice Regarding which Inertial Reference Frame is "Stationary" and which is "Moving" in the Special Theory of Relativity

Abstract: Einstein's argument on the relativity of simultaneity itself is the first result of the special theory of relativity. This argument is reflected in the structure and functioning of the physical world. The arbitrary nature of the decision regarding the particular inertial reference frame from which the argument on the relativity of simultaneity begins is discussed. It is this arbitrary, or freely made, decision that is the basis for the significance of the argument of the relativity of simultaneity itself on the structure and functioning of the physical world. The same concrete circumstances in the physical world can support either direction in the argument on the relativity of simultaneity, as well as other results, in the special theory (i.e., with either of two inertial reference frames in uniform translational motion relative to one another considered "stationary" while the other inertial reference frame is considered "moving"). There are different sets of results in the physical world associated with the choice in direction that is made, for example as concerns the temporal durations of occurrences or the spatial lengths of existents in these inertial reference frames. Experiments testing the equations derived in the special theory that relate the temporal durations of occurrences or the spatial lengths of physical existents in inertial reference frames in uniform motion relative to one another generally have not tested predictions with both of the two inertial reference frames considered, in separate scenarios, the "stationary" reference frame. It is proposed that empirical tests in two directions be developed and conducted. If empirical results from such tests support the predictions of the special theory, these empirical results would support the thesis that there is a cognitive factor in Einstein's argument on the relativity of simultaneity that affects results derived in the special theory concerning the physical world. One such test is proposed.