Quantum mechanics determined?

Do truly "random" events occur at quantum level that can't be accurately predicted by the laws of physics?

Or just nobody understands how to yet?

Also could anyone recomend me an elementary text on quantum mechanics? (Something readable and interesting that goes over some of the maths involved too)

Depends upon whether you believe superstring theory (or M theory) or not. Quantum mechanics says that at a quantum data, it all depends upon probability (and nothing can be perfectly predicted); however, string theory tries to get rid of the problem by removing most of the quantum level altogether.

As for elementary text that's readable, I suggest Hawking's Universe in a Nutshell to get you started (even if he's a douchebag) and then maybe Brian Greene's Elegant Universe... unless you mean 'for middle school students', in which case there are a few good kids' books on the subject...

Griffith's "Quantum Mechanics" is the best elementary text on quantum mechanics.

>>3
YES. That book is amazing. Griffiths is a great author.

>>1
As far as we can tell, yes, truly random events occur. Bell's inequalities show that there is no underlying hidden variable theory that predicts the indeterminism that arises from quantum mechanics. There are some loopholes though, so not everyone is sold on it yet, but the evidence is pretty convincing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bell%27s_theorem

>>4
Non local hidden variable theory.

>>5
Yes, an example of the loopholes I mentioned. You can either accept quantum mechanics (and locality) and reject determinism, or you can accept determinism and reject locality.

We have a whole lot of reason to expect locality to be conserved, hence it's not a popular opinion among physicists.

hi maths forum

Divide by zero. Oh shi-

Don't call me gay, but I need some mary jay!

Marijuana MUST be legalized.