Tail of the Wave Function

Most recent answer: 10/22/2007

Q:
When Jesus walked on water, is it possible he was supported by vacuum fluctuations under his feet, and this is why he didn’t sink? Is there a quantum mechanical probability, no matter how small, that a person (any person) could walk on water supported by vacuum fluctuations in between the water and his feet?
- Joe (age 28)
University of Maryland, College Park
A:
Quantum states have extremely tiny tails representing all sorts of different realities, including cars hopping over buildings, etc. There’s no need to invoke vacuum fluctuations in particular to get all sorts of quantum ’possibilities’. Of course, there are other possible explanations for those accounts.

Mike W.

(published on 10/22/2007)