Part 8/10:
Penrose posited that when massive objects exist as quantum superpositions, their gravitational fields might not be able to coexist without affecting the outcome, leading to a rapid collapse into one classical state. Hence, the very mass of an object could influence the unfolding of quantum mechanics, marrying both disciplines in a harmonized approach.
Testing the Theories: Experimental Evidence
Objective collapse theories have distinct predictions that can be empirically tested, providing a more rigorous framework than mere interpretations. Direct experiments aim to place macroscopic objects in superpositions and measure the collapse time related to object size. However, researchers are still refining their methods to reach the requisite conditions for such experiments.