Particles or Waves: Why Do Electrons Exhibit Interference?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter gaugeboson
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Particles Waves
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the nature of electrons and their ability to exhibit interference patterns, comparing this behavior to that of classical particles like bullets. Participants explore the implications of wave-particle duality and the conditions under which interference occurs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why electrons, which are considered particles, can exhibit interference when fired one at a time, contrasting this with bullets that do not show interference under normal conditions.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of the wave function, suggesting it relates to the probability of finding an electron in space and connects wave and particle nature.
  • A different viewpoint argues that the size and wavelength of bullets prevent them from interfering in typical scenarios, referencing Feynman's work on the double-slit experiment.
  • Some participants contend that bullets can interfere if they are launched with low enough momentum, making their wavelength comparable to the slit width in a two-slit experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on whether bullets can exhibit interference, with some asserting they cannot under normal conditions while others argue they can under specific circumstances. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the comparison of electrons and bullets in terms of interference.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the dependence on definitions of interference and the conditions required for it to occur, such as momentum and wavelength, which remain unresolved in the discussion.

gaugeboson
Messages
7
Reaction score
0
If we use a normal gun sending out one bullet at a time, there is obviously no interference. However there is interference in waves. Still, if we send out electrons one at a time, they interfere with each other’s motion. Why is it so? Aren’t electrons particles?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The wave function of an electron is a quantity to say something about the probability of finding the electron in space. Bohr's probability interpretation "connect's" the wave nature with the particle nature of quantas.
 
Firing bullets

The reason electrons interfere while bullets do not is because bullets are very very large and hence have very small wavelengths, so the probability distribution of the interference pattern is seen as essentially gaussian. Refer to Feynamn Volume 3, Chapter on double slit experiment (chapters 1,2 or 3 i believe).
 
Bullets do interfere. To see them interfere in a two-slit experiment, you would
have to launch them with a low enough momentum so that the wavlength was comparable
to the slit width.
 
Antiphon said:
Bullets do interfere. To see them interfere in a two-slit experiment, you would
have to launch them with a low enough momentum so that the wavlength was comparable
to the slit width.
And looking at a sufficient distance apart from the slits. :biggrin:

Seratend.
 

Similar threads

Undergrad Material Waves and Wave Functions
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
High School Yet another double slit thought experiment...
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
2K
Undergrad "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
8K
Undergrad Why do orthogonal polarizers at slits eliminate interference pattern?
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
2K
Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K
Undergrad Double slit experiment with observer
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
Undergrad What do the wave functions of real particles look like?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Undergrad Does a qubit break interference in the double slit experiment?
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
1K
Undergrad Why quantum wave function collapse is not consider a signal?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Young's slit experiment with single photons
  • · Replies 81 ·
3
Replies
81
Views
7K