Math can apply to anything that is free from contradiction since that is the founding principle in mathematics. "i" actually does apply to quantum particles.
The square of
ANY number is a positive number.
Therefore, the square root of a negative number IS a contradiction.
...You might gain some appreciation for "i" if you looked into it's geometric applications which is how it gained acceptance among mathematicians in the first place. "i" is used to represent another dimension apart from the reals. Fractal geometry is a good example of it's use.
My point exactly - it's terribly useful in terms of hypothetical reality, but it can not in any
way be applied to
real reality. Speculation about 'alternate dimensions' and such, based
upon calculations of that sort thus impress me not in the least.
Kinda like the classic demonstration that 1=2, wherein the mathematician surreptitiously divides
by zero by using two variables with the same value. [google google google]
1=2: A Proof using Beginning Algebra
The Fallacious Proof:
Step 1: Let a=b.
Step 2: Then a^2 = ab,
Step 3: a^2 + a^2 = a^2 + ab,
Step 4: 2 a^2 = a^2 + ab,
Step 5: 2 a^2 - 2 ab = a^2 + ab - 2 ab,
Step 6: and 2 a^2 - 2 ab = a^2 - ab.
Step 7: This can be written as 2 (a^2 - a b) = 1 (a^2 - a b),
Step 8: and cancelling the (a^2 - ab) from both sides gives 1=2.
If math is your thing, of course, don't let skeptical old me put you off.
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Topic: from the Science Desk (Read 8211 times)