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Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Burning the Candle at Both Ends: A Relativistic Thought Experiment Bridging Classical Intuitions and Quantum Realities

Authors: Divac, Zoran;

Burning the Candle at Both Ends: A Relativistic Thought Experiment Bridging Classical Intuitions and Quantum Realities

Abstract

Quantum mechanics perpetually challenges classical intuitions. Special relativity underpins both classical and quantum frameworks. This preprint introduces a relativistic thought experiment—burning the candle at both ends—to show that special relativity already induces frame-dependent indeterminacy in physical states, echoing quantum uncertainties and superposition without quantum postulates. Lorentzian simultaneity disrupts causal chains (flame propagation), yielding observer-specific outcomes: asymmetric burning rates, non-local ignition, and isolation violations akin to quantum superposition. We extend analogies to Quantum Field Theory (QFT), likening the flame to cascading domino effects—particle-like excitations propagating relativistically. In curved spacetime via the equivalence principle, geodesic paths emerge as "wicks" channeling otherwise indeterministic domino cascades of field excitations, while artificial obstacles such as diffraction slits act as sharp interruptions that liberate the same indeterminism and produce observable quantum diffraction in a gravitational field. The work demonstrates that the essential structure of relativistic quantum field theory, far from requiring new interpretational principles, is already latent in Einstein’s original 1905 kinematics once finite-extended causal chains are taken seriously. Supplementary material: Animated Minkowski diagram of two converging 5-link domino cascades (Online Resource 1; animation speed arbitrary).

Correction note: The resource type has been updated from "Publication" to "Preprint" on 16 February 2026 due to initial misclassification during upload.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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