Particles or Waves: Why Do Electrons Exhibit Interference?

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Electrons exhibit interference due to their wave-like properties, despite being classified as particles. When electrons are fired one at a time, they still create an interference pattern, which is explained by their wave function representing probability distributions. In contrast, bullets, being much larger, have negligible wavelengths, making their interference patterns effectively Gaussian and difficult to observe under normal conditions. However, if bullets are launched with low enough momentum, their wavelengths can become comparable to the slit width in a double-slit experiment, allowing for observable interference. This discussion highlights the dual nature of quantum particles and the conditions necessary for interference to occur.
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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?
 
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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.
 
Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. Towards the end of the first lecture for the Qiskit Global Summer School 2025, Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Olivia Lanes (Global Lead, Content and Education IBM) stated... Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/quantum-entanglement-is-a-kinematic-fact-not-a-dynamical-effect/ by @RUTA

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