rhollerith_dot_com comments on Open Thread: April 2010 - Less Wrong

4 Post author: Unnamed 01 April 2010 03:21PM

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Comment author: rhollerith_dot_com 26 April 2010 03:48:01AM *  1 point [-]

OK, a quick answer: classical physics cannot be true of the reality we find ourselves in. Specifically, classical physics is contradicted by experimental results such as the photoelectric effect and the double-slit experiment. The parts of reality that require you to know quantum physics affect such important things as chemistry, semiconductors and whether our reality can contain such a thing as a "solid object". The only reason we teach classical physics is that it is easier than quantum physics. If everyone could learn quantum physics, there would be no need to teach classical physics anymore.

Comment author: Matt_Simpson 26 April 2010 03:53:59AM 1 point [-]

First of all, thanks.

The only reason we teach classical physics is that it is easier than quantum physics. If everyone could learn quantum physics, there would be no need to teach classical physics anymore.

Really? Isn't classical physics used in some contexts because the difference between the classical model and reality isn't enough to justify extra complications? I'm thinking specifically of engineers.

Comment author: rhollerith_dot_com 26 April 2010 04:06:19AM 1 point [-]

Isn't classical physics used in some contexts because the difference between the classical model and reality isn't enough to justify extra complications?

True. Revised sentence: the only reasons for using classical physics are that it is easier to learn, easier to calculate with and it helps you understand people who know only classical physics.