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EPR paradox

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Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen questioned quantum completeness.

Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen (1935) argued that QM must be incomplete because entangled particles seem to have definite properties without being measured. Bell's theorem later tested this.

Worked example

Spin singlet states.

Common mistake

The paradox dissolves if reality is nonlocal.

In more detail

The EPR paradox, proposed in 1935, argued that quantum mechanics seemed to be incomplete because of entanglement. Later experiments showed the quantum predictions hold.

Real-world uses

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Frequently asked questions

Who were the authors?

Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen.

What was the conclusion?

Experiments confirmed the quantum predictions, ruling out local hidden variables.

What was the EPR argument?

Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen argued that quantum mechanics was incomplete, since it appeared to imply spooky action at a distance.

Related topics in Quantum Mechanics

Schrödinger's cat · Entanglement · Bell's inequalities · Decoherence · Interpretations of QM · Quantum computing: qubits

← All Quantum Mechanics topics