Can quantum be given to a cat? - briefly
Quantum concepts, such as superposition, cannot be physically "given" to a cat, but they can be metaphorically illustrated through thought experiments like Schrödinger's cat.
Can quantum be given to a cat? - in detail
The concept of assigning quantum properties to a cat is a metaphorical extension of the famous thought experiment known as Schrödinger's cat, which was introduced by physicist Erwin Schrödinger in 1935. This experiment was designed to illustrate the peculiarities of quantum mechanics, particularly the principle of superposition, where a quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously until it is observed. In the thought experiment, a cat is placed in a sealed box with a radioactive atom, a Geiger counter, and a vial of poison. If the Geiger counter detects radiation (indicating the decay of the atom), the vial is broken, and the cat dies. If no radiation is detected, the cat remains alive. According to quantum mechanics, until the box is opened and the system is observed, the cat is considered to be in a superposition of both alive and dead states.
While this scenario is purely theoretical and not physically feasible, it highlights the counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics when applied to macroscopic objects like a cat. In reality, quantum effects are typically observed at the microscopic level, such as with particles like electrons or photons. Macroscopic objects, including cats, are subject to decoherence, a process where interactions with their environment cause quantum superpositions to collapse into definite states. This means that a cat cannot truly exist in a quantum superposition because its interactions with the surrounding environment are too complex and numerous to maintain such a state.
The idea of "giving quantum" to a cat, therefore, is not scientifically possible in the literal sense. However, the thought experiment serves as a valuable tool for exploring and discussing the implications of quantum theory, particularly the challenges of interpreting quantum mechanics in ways that align with our everyday experiences. It also underscores the distinction between the quantum world and the classical world, where the rules governing each domain differ significantly. While quantum mechanics provides a framework for understanding the behavior of particles at the smallest scales, it does not translate directly to the macroscopic world, making it impossible to apply quantum properties to a living organism like a cat in any practical or meaningful way.