Atomic physics and chemistry

As a result of Zurek's research we can locate precisely the emergence of atomic physics from the web of interacting fundamental processes. As soon after the big bang as allowed by cooling temperature the light elements formed according to the predictions of quantum mechanics given the fundamental forces and environmental conditions in which they found themselves. In fact the success of quantum theory in predicting the observed ratios of the light elements is considered some of the strongest evidence for modern theories of cosmology. The further development of more complex elements within stars and supernovas is also fully explained by the operation of quantum theory within these environments. Further evolution of more complex chemistry has been possible in more specialized environments throughout the universe.[i] In particular the earth with its moderate temperatures, sources of solar and tectonic energy, and liquid water has proved an ideal environment for the production of complex chemistry.

All of these advances in the evolution of more complex chemistry are fully explained by the laws of quantum physics operating in their particular environments. The interpretation emerging from Zurek's theory is that the states of matter found in atomic physics and chemistry are the results of quantum decoherence that occurs when the underlying quantum states interact with their environments.

Decoherence produces the non-superposed character of these particles in our web of reality. Through the process of Quantum Darwinism multiple copies of information regarding the classical nature of these interactions are deposited in the environment further enforcing its objective nature in the sense that the same information from the environment is available to all systems and that the underlying system need not be disturbed by other systems learning about it or being influence by it from this secondary source of information.

Given the perspective provided by quantum computation we might interpret the creation and evolution of atomic physics and chemistry as the results of quantum computations programmed from fundamental particles by the particular environments in which they find themselves. The evidence for and the only detectable information regarding these more complex entities emerge into the web of reality through the process of Quantum Darwinism.

Most of atomic physics and chemistry are derivable, at least in principal from quantum theory with the assistance of other basic physical law such as thermodynamics. Few emergent laws are required to explain the scientific subject matter of atomic physics and chemistry although there appears to be some exceptions in the realm of complex chemistry.[ii]

[i] E.F. van Dishoeck, in The Molecular Astrophysics of Stars and Galaxies, eds. T.W. Hartquist & D.A. Williams (Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1998).

[ii] Prigogine Ilya (1984), Order Out Of Chaos, Bantam; Reissue edition (Mar 1 1984), ISBN-10: 0553343637