VOTE PF Photo Contest - Quantum Physics

ZapperZ

This week, we test the creativity of our members by asking them to show a photo that depict an aspect of quantum physics! Looks like several of the members rose to the challenge. So please vote not only for the best looking photo, but also for a photo that has a clear depiction of an aspect of Quantum Physics! A few photos are accompanied by captions.

As dlgoff said, dang, this is going to be hard!

1. SecularSanity



2. Andy Resnick - <wavefunction|collapse>



3. Borek - Heisenberg chickadee (Parus heisenbergi), ΔxΔp≥ℏ2



4. fuzzyfelt - wave-particle duality



5. ZapperZ - Periodic potential well



6. Topher925 - photons



Contest thread

Zz.

I like Serena

I voted Topher925, since that's the only photo that actually has something to do with quantum physics afaik (and it's a nice photo ;).

ZapperZ

OK, so I hate to tell people how to vote, but I think this theme requires a bit of explanation.

I always put a link to the original contest thread so that people can put the theme in question in the proper context, and realize the INTENT of that particular theme. The intent of this contest is NOT to show quantum physics in action. Rather, it asked for a PICTORIAL DEPICTION of quantum physics. I gave an example, in the contest thread, of putting a cat in a box, and calling that the Schrodinger Cat. That isn't quantum physics, but that is a pictorial depiction, a metaphor, if you like, of the infamous thought experiment that is a major part of quantum physics. So something such as fuzzyfelt photo of showing water waves and also the berries/fruit on a tree is a clever depiction of wave-particle duality. SecularSanity's photo of showing a series of dice (die?) is also another clever hint at Einstein's lament that god does not play dice with the universe, a phrase that will forever be a part of quantum physics history.

I will admit that I debated with myself if Topher's photo qualified for this contest. But I saw it rather late, and I decided to give it the benefit of the doubt and included it in this contest and let you decide. It is fine if you think it fits the intent and vote for it. However, if you vote for it because it is the only one that actually showed quantum physics at work, then you voted it for a reason that isn't part of the intent of the theme, and that is unfair to those who did stick to the theme.

There are some very clever photos here, and it is obvious that many members put some thought into either taking the photo they want, or selecting a photo that they already had, to fit into this theme. I hope members voting for the photos also think a little bit more into how clever some of these photos are in getting the theme just right.

So that's my 2-cent worth.

Zz.

dlgoff

Yea. And your Periodic potential well seems like it may be modeling fuzzys berries. Damn hard to vote for just one.

ZapperZ

Stop being so uncertain and wishy-washy. Get your votes in now for the best depiction of Quantum Physics.

Zz.

dlgoff

Okay. I flipped a coin. Sorry Zz.

ZapperZ

The votes are very close! Right now, we have a tie for First Place. Every vote counts!

Zz.

Andre

It's kinda Heisenbergian uncertain but for the record, I'd say that's a Platanus

But excellent idea.

dlgoff

Okay, they're fuzzys (seed) balls.

Andre

Hmmm, errm, don't tell her, but this platanus is a sterile hybrid. No seeds

fuzzyfelt

Platanus, not "particles"?! :)
The explanations have been nice too, thanks.

ZapperZ

Final day to cast your vote for this contest. I'm sure many of you cast several simultaneous votes for a number of photos. Unfortunately, upon my observation, each one collapsed into just one vote for a particular photo. Too bad!

Zz.

dlgoff

Dang Experimentalist; scientifically speaking i.e.


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