No-go theorem

In theoretical physics, a no-go theorem is a theorem that states that a particular situation is not physically possible. This type of theorem imposes boundaries on certain mathematical or physical possibilities via a proof of contradiction.[1][2][3]

Instances of no-go theorems

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Full descriptions of the no-go theorems named below are given in other articles linked to their names. A few of them are broad, general categories under which several theorems fall. Other names are broad and general-sounding but only refer to a single theorem.

Classical electrodynamics

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Non-relativistic quantum Mechanics and quantum information

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Quantum field theory and string theory

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Proof of impossibility

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In mathematics there is the concept of proof of impossibility referring to problems impossible to solve. The difference between this impossibility and that of the no-go theorems is that a proof of impossibility states a category of logical proposition that may never be true; a no-go theorem instead presents a sequence of events that may never occur.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f Andrea Oldofredi (2018). "No-Go Theorems and the Foundations of Quantum Physics". Journal for General Philosophy of Science. 49 (3): 355–370. arXiv:1904.10991. doi:10.1007/s10838-018-9404-5.
  2. ^ Federico Laudisa (2014). "Against the No-Go Philosophy of Quantum Mechanics". European Journal for Philosophy of Science. 4 (1): 1–17. arXiv:1307.3179. doi:10.1007/s13194-013-0071-4.
  3. ^ Radin Dardashti (2021-02-21). "No-go theorems: What are they good for?". Studies in History and Philosophy of Science. 4 (1): 47–55. arXiv:2103.03491. Bibcode:2021SHPSA..86...47D. doi:10.1016/j.shpsa.2021.01.005. PMID 33965663.
  4. ^ Nielsen, M.A.; Chuang, Isaac L. (1997-07-14). "Programmable quantum gate arrays". Physical Review Letters. 79 (2): 321–324. arXiv:quant-ph/9703032. Bibcode:1997PhRvL..79..321N. doi:10.1103/PhysRevLett.79.321. S2CID 119447939.
  5. ^ Haag, Rudolf (1955). "On quantum field theories" (PDF). Matematisk-fysiske Meddelelser. 29: 12.
  6. ^ Becker, K.; Becker, M.; Schwarz, J.H. (2007). "10". String Theory and M-Theory. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. pp. 480–482. ISBN 978-0521860697.
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