Double Slit Experiment Question

In summary, the conversation discusses the interpretation of the double slit experiment in quantum mechanics. It suggests that when observed in the present, an electron behaves as a particle, but when not observed, it behaves as a wave. The conversation also brings up the idea of quantum mechanics operating differently based on whether the behavior occurred in the past or present. However, the conversation ends by stating that personal theories on mainstream science subjects will not be discussed.
  • #1
jellellogram
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TL;DR Summary
Could it be that matter exists as a wave in the past (if unobserved), until it is observed in the present?
I'm wondering if this would be a way to interpret the double slit experiment. In other words, when we observe an electron in the present, it goes through one slit or the other as a particle. However, if we do not observe it, it goes through both at once as a wave; we only see evidence of it having gone through both slits at some point in the past. As a side note, I'm not suggesting that all matter exists as a wave in the past, only that matter exists as a wave until it is observed in the present.

To put it more generally, could it be that quantum mechanics operates differently depending on whether the behavior in question took place in the past or is taking place in the present?
 
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  • #2
While these two videos may not answer your question, they can give you some good insight into how the double-slit experiment works and is interpreted today by physicists:



and

Having said that, we will close this thread, since we don't discuss personal theories of mainstream science subjects.
 
  • #3
Got it, thanks for the response and for the heads up re closing the thread.
 

1. What is the Double Slit Experiment?

The Double Slit Experiment is a classic physics experiment that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light. It involves shining a light source through two parallel slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen.

2. What is the significance of the Double Slit Experiment?

The Double Slit Experiment is significant because it challenges our understanding of the nature of light and matter. It shows that particles, such as photons, can exhibit wave-like behavior and that the act of observation can affect the outcome of an experiment.

3. Who first performed the Double Slit Experiment?

The Double Slit Experiment was first performed by English scientist Thomas Young in the early 1800s. However, it was not until the early 1900s that the experiment gained widespread attention and significance with the development of quantum mechanics.

4. What are the different interpretations of the Double Slit Experiment?

There are several interpretations of the Double Slit Experiment, including the Copenhagen interpretation, which states that particles exist in a superposition of states until observed, and the Many-Worlds interpretation, which suggests that every observation creates a new parallel universe. Other interpretations include the Pilot-Wave theory and the Transactional Interpretation.

5. How is the Double Slit Experiment relevant to modern science?

The Double Slit Experiment continues to be relevant in modern science as it has implications for quantum mechanics, particle physics, and even technology such as quantum computing. It also challenges our understanding of the fundamental nature of reality and continues to be a topic of research and discussion among scientists.

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