I Think I Understand Quantum Entanglement

Steve Bogucki
Sep 8, 2018 · 3 min read

I think I understand quantum entanglement.

I mean conceptually, certainly not mathematically, and only at the most elementary of understanding.

But, here goes:

Let’s say that you have a system. In this example, the rule for that system is that it contains three particles. Those particles each have a state: state A, state B, and state C. We will refer to these particles as “A”, “B”, and “C”.

Those particles can be combined as one big particle, three separate particles, or any other combination. But there can only be, at maximum, three particles and all three, “A”, “B”, and “C” must exist.

As you initially observe the system (in this example), the three particles are all combined into one big particle. So, “A”, “B”, and “C”, all in a single particle initially.

As you observe, the one big particle devolves and becomes just particle “C”, indicating that particles “A” and “B” have departed from the combined particle.

As you observe particle “C”, you intuitively know that particles “A” and “B” exist. However, until you observe the two particles that could potentially be particle “A” or particle “B”, you have no idea which is which. In this sense, potential particles “A” and “B” are entangled.

Once you observe one of those particles and determine it to be particle “A”, all possible options for the other particle — other than it being particle “B” — collapse. This is evidence of the entanglement; the observation of one particle seemingly and instantly confirms (some may argue that it causes) the state of the other.

That’s what I (think I) know.

I mean, admittedly, I’m summarizing into a few paragraphs a concept that has challenged some of the greatest minds of the past few generations. But my hope is just to confirm a rudimentary understanding in order to allow me to build more thorough knowledge upon it.

I’d love for smarter people than me to comment and correct me where my understanding is flawed and to elaborate and contribute to my foundational knowledge. It’d be appreciated, and I thank you in advance!

Quick background: I’ve been stubbornly reading through this anthology, “50 Ideas You Really Need to Know About Quantum Physics” by Joanne Baker, and the topic has gripped my fascination like no subject has in a long time. It has sent me down nightly Wikipedia rabbit holes, where I have learned about the boson and quarks, and read about inspiring minds like Alain Aspect and the historical polymath, Thomas Young, who has quickly become my intellectual hero.

This is what I woke up on a Saturday morning thinking about. Help me. Lol.

I think I’ll watch football now. :) #GoBulls

I like code, running, techno, and my dog. #TrustTheProcess. http://bogoodski.com

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