Unobservability: meaning, definitions and examples
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unobservability
[ ʌnˌɒbzəˈveɪbɪlɪti ]
theoretical concept
Unobservability refers to a situation where certain aspects or conditions cannot be observed or measured, often due to limitations in access or technology. It is frequently discussed in fields like quantum mechanics and control theory, indicating that certain parameters or states remain hidden from observation.
Synonyms
invisibility, obscurity, unseeability.
Examples of usage
- The unobservability of certain quantum states challenges traditional physics.
- In control systems, the unobservability of a system can prevent effective monitoring.
- The concept of unobservability is crucial in understanding hidden variables.
Etymology
The term 'unobservability' is derived from the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and 'observability', which is a concept in systems theory and control theory referring to the ability to infer the internal state of a system from its output. The origin of 'observe' can be traced back to the Latin word 'observare', meaning 'to watch over'. The development of the modern concept of observability took shape in the mid-20th century, particularly in relation to state-space representations and linear control systems. The discussions around unobservability often intersect with quantum mechanics, where certain particles or states cannot be directly observed without disturbing the system, thus leading to deeper philosophical implications about reality and measurement.