Picture a situation where we have two observers, A and B, and a system in a certain quantum state. If B makes a measurement of some observable, say energy for example, the state will collapse to one of the possible energy states with a definite probability. If A makes a measurement after this has happened he will observe a precise energy given by the state to which our system has collapsed after the the measurement made by B.

klastiesym

klastiesym

Answered question

2022-10-12

Picture a situation where we have two observers, A and B, and a system in a certain quantum state. If B makes a measurement of some observable, say energy for example, the state will collapse to one of the possible energy states with a definite probability. If A makes a measurement after this has happened he will observe a precise energy given by the state to which our system has collapsed after the the measurement made by B.
Pretty straightforward till now. Now, if both observers make a measurement at the same time they will both measure the same value. But we know from special relativity that simultaneity is relative to the observer, so we may think that from some observer this measurements won't be simultaneous and actually for him 𝐴 will have made the measurement before B.
My question is obvious then, how do measurements and relativity of simultaneity marry?

Answer & Explanation

occuffick24

occuffick24

Beginner2022-10-13Added 13 answers

The relativity of simultaneity relies on spatial separation of the events. If two measurements are made at the same system, there will be no ambiguity of the order, because there is no spatial separation.
podvelkaj8

podvelkaj8

Beginner2022-10-14Added 3 answers

Here, you suppose that the sign of t A βˆ’ t B can change, but that would mean that A and B are separated by a space-like interval.
But that means that the "state" which comes from A to B, or from B to A, in a space-like interval way.
So it is not a physical acceptable state.
If, now, your state is a acceptable physical state, then A and B are separated by a time-like interval, then the sign of t A βˆ’ t B is always the same

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