The laws of physics do not prohibit counterfactual communication

Hatim Salih1, Will McCutcheon2,3, Jonte R Hance2

  • 1Quantum Technology Enterprise Centre, HH Wills Physics Laboratory, University of Bristol, Tyndall Avenue, Bristol BS8 1TL UK.

NPJ Quantum Information
|July 29, 2025
PubMed

Related Concept Videos

Models, Theories, and Laws01:16

Models, Theories, and Laws

Scientists frequently use models to help them comprehend a specific collection of phenomena. In physics, a model is a condensed version of a physical system that is too complex to study thoroughly. One such example is the light wave model; unlike water waves, light waves are typically invisible to us. Nonetheless, it is helpful to think of light as being composed of waves, since investigations show that light behaves like water waves. Since it is impossible to visually see what is genuinely...
7.0K
The Scope of Physics01:17

The Scope of Physics

Physics is concerned with the interactions of energy, matter, space, and time, in order to discover the underlying mechanisms that underpin all phenomena. The word "physics" comes from the Greek word "phúsis", which means nature. Physics seeks to comprehend the natural world around us at its most fundamental level. It emphasizes the use of quantitative laws to do this, which could be valuable in other fields that want to push the performance boundaries of present...
34.1K
Newton's First Law: Introduction01:17

Newton's First Law: Introduction

Motion draws our attention. Motion itself can be beautiful, causing us to marvel at the forces needed to create spectacular sights, such as that of a dolphin jumping out of the water, the flight of a bird, or the orbit of a satellite. The study of motion is kinematics, but kinematics only describes the way objects move—their velocity and acceleration. Dynamics considers the forces that affect the motion of moving objects and systems. Newton's laws of motion are the foundation of...
23.9K
Newton's Law of Motion01:20

Newton's Law of Motion

When we observe objects around us, one question that comes to mind is why they move or stay still. The answer to this question can be explained using Newton's laws of motion. These laws describe the fundamental principles of motion and the effects of forces on objects.
The first law of motion, also known as the law of inertia, states that an object at rest will stay at rest, and an object in motion will continue to move at a constant speed and direction unless acted upon by an external...
4.1K
First Law: Particles in One-dimensional Equilibrium01:10

First Law: Particles in One-dimensional Equilibrium

Newton's first law of motion states that a body at rest remains at rest, or if in motion, remains in motion at constant velocity, unless acted on by a net external force. It also states that there must be a cause for any change in velocity (a change in either magnitude or direction) to occur. This cause is a net external force. For example, consider what happens to an object sliding along a rough horizontal surface. The object quickly grinds to a halt, due to the net force of friction. If...
7.1K
Scientific Laws and Theories02:31

Scientific Laws and Theories

Scientific Laws
80.3K