Exploring Wave Theory & Electron Interference

  • Thread starter sadie
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Waves
In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of fundamental particles moving on waves and how this could explain the results of the two slit experiment. The idea is that the electron is riding on a wave, which goes through both slits, but the electron itself only goes through one. This could explain the interference pattern observed in the experiment. However, there are several flaws in this theory, such as the contradiction of the wave being undetectable but still causing interference, and the fact that other objects riding on water waves do not produce the same interference pattern. Additionally, the presence of a detector on one of the slits affects the interference pattern, raising questions about how the undetectable wave knows not to interfere.
  • #1
sadie
2
0
Hello - I am new to this forum and to much of physics, thank you in advance for your responses - hopefully I won't get beaten up too bad!.

Imagine if fundamental particles somehow floated on waves and when you move a particle you're really generating a wave and the movement of the wave is what moves the particle. Don't ask what the wave is but we'll assume that it is currently or permanently undetectable.

If particles moved that way, I can imagine the two slit experiment as the following:

An electron is accelerated towards the slits. Really it is a wave that is moving toward the slits and the electron is riding on it. The wave goes through both slits but the electron only goes one way or the other. On the other side, the waves interfere and this affects the movement of the electron. If the detector on the other side of the slits were to light up when an electron hits, the electrons would display the interference fringes and we would get the standard picture.

The electron never goes both ways but the wave does. If we had no way of detecting the wave, it would appear as though the electron was interefering with itself.

Thoughts?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
That makes even less sense. If the electron only goes one way or the other, then the interference pattern that you detect is this mysterious wave itself, not the electron, since the electron didn't have any interference of any kind. This means you've just contradicted yourself by saying this wave can't be detected. (I seriously hope no one will bring up the Bohm pilot wave scenario here unless one is willing to list in detail that this two are the same thing.)

Secondly, try it with small pieces of styrofoam riding on water waves and see if you think the stryrofoam pieces will form the same interference pattern. They will not.

Thirdly, we know what it looks like when the electron goes through one or the other. It doesn't look like the interference pattern.

Lastly, how come this wave knows not to interfere with each other when I put a detector on one of the slits so that I know which way the electron went through? What difference does it make to the undetectable wave since all I'm doing is detecting the electron that, as you said, went through one slit or the other?

You may want to read the PF Guidelines if you missed it the first time around.

Zz.
 
  • #3


I find this perspective on wave theory and electron interference interesting and thought-provoking. While it is certainly an unconventional way of thinking about particles and waves, it does highlight the interconnectedness of these fundamental components of the universe.

One potential issue with this idea is that it does not fully explain the observed behavior of particles in experiments such as the double-slit experiment. The wave-particle duality of quantum mechanics suggests that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, depending on how they are observed. So while it is possible that particles could be riding on waves, it is also important to consider the dual nature of particles and the role of observation in determining their behavior.

Additionally, the idea of undetectable waves raises questions about how we can test and verify this theory. As scientists, we rely on empirical evidence and experimentation to support our theories, so it would be important to find ways to detect and measure these waves in order to fully understand their role in particle behavior.

Overall, while this perspective on wave theory and electron interference offers a unique and interesting perspective, it would require further exploration and evidence to fully support its validity. As with any scientific theory, it is important to approach it with an open mind and continue to question and test its validity through experimentation and observation.
 

1. What is wave theory?

Wave theory is a fundamental concept in physics that describes the propagation of energy or information through a medium. It explains how waves are created, how they travel, and how they interact with other objects and waves.

2. What is the relationship between waves and electrons?

Electrons, which are subatomic particles with a negative charge, exhibit wave-like behavior. This is known as the wave-particle duality of matter, and it is described by the principles of quantum mechanics. This means that electrons can behave like waves and particles depending on the situation.

3. What is electron interference?

Electron interference is a phenomenon that occurs when two or more electron waves overlap and interact with each other. This can result in constructive interference, where the waves reinforce each other and create a larger wave, or destructive interference, where the waves cancel each other out.

4. How is electron interference used in technology?

Electron interference is a crucial concept in the development of technology such as electron microscopes and computer processors. By manipulating and controlling the interference of electron waves, scientists and engineers are able to create images with higher resolution and design more efficient electronic devices.

5. What are some real-life examples of wave theory and electron interference?

Examples of wave theory and electron interference can be observed in many natural phenomena such as ocean waves, sound waves, and light waves. They are also essential in the functioning of electronic devices like radios, televisions, and cell phones. Additionally, scientists also use these concepts to study the behavior of subatomic particles in particle accelerators.

Similar threads

Replies
28
Views
409
Replies
4
Views
805
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
2
Views
656
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
17
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
745
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
24
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
769
  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
64
Views
3K
Back
Top