Frank Says That Quantum Mechanics Does Not Apply to Baseballs

question 11

Multiple Choice

Frank says that quantum mechanics does not apply to baseballs because they do not jump from quantum state to quantum state when being thrown. Francine agrees with him. She says that there is no uncertainty in a baseball's position or momentum. Are they correct, or not, and why?

• A) They are correct because the first excited state of a baseball is at a higher energy that any baseball ever receives. Therefore we cannot determine whether or not there is uncertainty in its position or momentum.
• B) They are correct because the first excited state of a baseball is at a higher energy that any baseball ever receives. Therefore its position and momentum are completely uncertain until it is caught.
• C) They are wrong because the baseball goes through so many quantum states in being thrown that we cannot observe the transitions. The uncertainties in its position and momentum are too small to observe.
• D) They are wrong because the baseball goes through so many quantum states in being thrown that we cannot observe the transitions. Because of the number of transitions its position and momentum are completely uncertain until it is caught.
• E) Quantum mechanics states that they are correct as long as they do not make any observations, but wrong as soon as they begin to make observations.

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Definitions:

Environment

The sum of all external conditions affecting the life, development, and survival of an organism.

Vegetarianism

A dietary lifestyle that excludes meat, fish, and poultry, sometimes for health, environmental, or ethical reasons.

Compassion

A deep awareness of and sympathy for another's suffering, coupled with the desire to alleviate that suffering.

Animals

Multicellular, eukaryotic organisms of the kingdom Animalia that can move voluntarily and consume organic material.