Sean Carroll

Boltzmann Fluctuations are basically classical: random motions of things lead to unlikely events, even in equilibrium. #qf

The *macro*state of a system can be static (equilibrium), but stuff is churning beneath the surface. That allows Boltzmann fluctuations. #qf

Vacuum Fluctuations are the differences b/w quantum and classical states. Classically-definite observables can have a quantum variance. #qf

Zero-point energy, virtual particles, the Lamb shift -- all due to vacuum fluctuations. But notice something important... #qf

Nothing actually "fluctuates" in vacuum fluctuations! The system can be perfectly static. Just that quantum states are more spread out. #qf

Measurement Fluctuations are the bridge b/w Boltzmann and Vacuum fluctuations. They occur when you repeatedly observe a quantum system. #qf

By itself, a system can be static, but observational outcomes are probabilistic. Observe over and over again, get different results. #qf

@bsbdematteis The end of physics will never come. See "The Beginning of Infinity" by @DavidDeutschOxf for more & http://www.samharris.org/podcast/item/surviving-the-cosmos …

@ToKTeacher @DavidDeutschOxf TKS SO MUCH! I WILL READ. I'm glad u read the article. Btw, 'spent a year in Korea. 'Loved it.

@bsbdematteis Were you serving in the US military at the time?