| Topic: |
Science > Physics |
| User: |
"aryalok" |
| Date: |
30 Aug 2004 01:28:00 PM |
| Object: |
Question regarding observer's role in QM |
Quantum theory states that observation crates a reality. i.e. Quantum
object is represented by its wave function until some one looks at
it.At that time, wave function representing an object collapses and
quantum object [i.e. photon,electron etc) takes definite state.
Hence here is the question. What does observation means? Is it human
observation or observation by any creature?
If cat or a dog looks at a photon passing through a Young's double
slit setup what will be the pattern on the screen? Will there be an
interference pattern or a particle pattern?
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| User: "Bjoern Feuerbacher" |
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| Title: Re: Question regarding observer's role in QM |
31 Aug 2004 03:23:55 AM |
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aryalok wrote:
Quantum theory states that observation crates a reality. i.e. Quantum
object is represented by its wave function until some one looks at
it.At that time, wave function representing an object collapses and
quantum object [i.e. photon,electron etc) takes definite state.
First, not quantum theory itself says that, but only a particular (still
popular) interpretation of it, namely the Copenhagen interpretation.
Second, even after the collapse, the object is still described by a
wavefunction - one which corresponds to the particular observation taken.
Hence here is the question. What does observation means? Is it human
observation or observation by any creature?
"Observation" is an unfortunate choice of word. "Measurement" would be
better; and in modern times, "interaction with the environment" fits
even better. Try reading up on "decoherence".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen_interpretation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interpretation_of_quantum_mechanics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decoherence
If cat or a dog looks at a photon passing through a Young's double
slit setup what will be the pattern on the screen? Will there be an
interference pattern or a particle pattern?
Particle pattern.
Bye,
Bjoern
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