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Which statement is a description of quantum entanglement?

1) The quantum state of one particle instantaneously determines the quantum state of its entangled particle even if it is far away.
2) The quantum states of entangled particles exist even before any measurement is made.
3) The quantum state of one particle determines the quantum state of its entangled particle, but there is a delay while they communicate at the speed of light.

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Quantum entanglement describes the instantaneous and non-local correlation between the quantum states of particles such that a measurement on one entangled particle instantly reveals the state of another, no matter the distance apart.

Step-by-step explanation:

The concept of quantum entanglement describes a phenomenon where the quantum state of one particle instantaneously influences the state of another entangled particle, regardless of the distance separating them. The correct statement that describes quantum entanglement from the options provided is: "The quantum state of one particle instantaneously determines the quantum state of its entangled particle even if it is far away." This reflects one of the peculiar aspects of quantum mechanics that defies classical interpretations of locality and causality. In quantum entanglement, specific pairs or groups of particles are linked in such a way that the quantum state of each particle cannot be described independently of the state of the others, even when the particles are separated by large distances.

Entanglement implies that the properties of one particle are interconnected with the properties of another, which means that when a measurement is made on one entangled particle, the other particle's corresponding property will be instantaneously known, even though no physical signal is exchanged. This feature underlines the non-local nature of quantum mechanics, which was one of the key issues debated by physicists like Einstein, who famously referred to it as "spooky action at a distance." The principles of entanglement are central to emerging technologies like quantum computing where they are applied in the form of qubits.

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