In reply to David Roberson's message of Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:26:36 -0400 (EDT): Hi, [snip] >I agree with the first order of business you state. > > >The second one could depend upon how quickly a reaction takes place since the >vibration is a mechanical response to the temperature of the metal. The >kinetic energy of a nucleus should be something that can be calculated and I >would suspect that its rate of movement is determined by the forcing function >which is a relatively slow process. I believe that a quantum mechanical >action occurs so fast that the slow motion vibration of the nucleus is not >important. I compare this to taking a snap shot of the instantaneous position >and velocity of the nucleus. > > >My visualization is that the quantum mechanical formula defining the behavior >takes a quick look at the nucleus and nearby neutron and acts when they are in >the best proper condition relative to each other. Of course if this process >is slow, then my concept would not be valid and something in line with your >second order would be appropriate. Has the time frame for quantum mechanical >activities of this nature been determined? Another question: has the time >frame for any quantum mechanical coupling been measured? That is the first >question. I have read that entangled particles react at speeds in excess of >light or considered instantaneous at great distances. Would this behavior be >considered typical? > > >Dave I don't think you need to go to this level of complexity. The answers are already bound up in the (measured) absorption cross section for thermal neutrons.
Regards, Robin van Spaandonk http://rvanspaa.freehostia.com/project.html
