Speed Reading
Read the following text.
When you are finished, answer the questions at
the end.
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automatically.
Schiller, C. (2009). Motion Mountain (22nd ed.). Part 4: Quantum Theory: The Smallest Change. Retrieved: 2009/04/23 from:
http://www.motionmountain.net/mmdownload.php?f=motionmountain-part4.pdf
Since precisely uniform motion does not exist, a system moving in one
dimension only – such as the hand of a clock – always has the possibility of
moving a bit in the opposite direction, thus leading to incorrect readings.
Indeed, quantum theory predicts that clocks have essential limitations, and
that perfect clocks do not exist.
It is also impossible for an object to avoid making a small displacement
sideways.
In fact, quantum theory implies that, strictly speaking, neither uniform nor
one-dimensional motion exists.
Quantum limitations apply also to metre rules.
It is impossible to ensure that the rule is completely at rest with respect to the
object being measured.
Thus the quantum of action implies, on one hand, that measurements are
possible, and on the other, that their accuracy is limited.
It also follows from the quantum of action that any inertial or freely-falling
observer must be large, as only large systems approximate inertial motion.
An observer cannot be microscopic.
If humans were not macroscopic, they could neither observe nor study
motion.
Because of the finite accuracy with which microscopic motion can be
observed, faster-than-light motion is possible in the microscopic domain.
Quantum theory thus predicts tachyons [particles that travel faster than light],
at least over short time intervals.
For the same reason, motion backwards in time is possible over microscopic
times and distances.
In short, a quantum of action implies the existence of microscopic time travel.
Of course, this remains impossible in the macroscopic domain, such as
everyday life.
The End
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written quiz.