2 slit trouble with vapor trails

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    Slit Vapor
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of observing a two-slit interference pattern using particles that create vapor trails in a cloud chamber. Participants explore the implications of introducing vapor trails on the visibility of the interference pattern.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a two-slit interference pattern can be obtained from a particle that makes a vapor trail and wonders if changing conditions to introduce a vapor trail would eliminate the interference pattern.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty about the outcomes of a two-slit experiment conducted in a cloud chamber, seeking clarification on what occurred during such an experiment.
  • A different participant notes that in the standard Feynman double-slit experiment with electrons, a vacuum is necessary to prevent air molecules from disrupting the interference pattern, suggesting that similar issues would arise in a cloud chamber due to the vapor trail indicating which slit the particle passed through.
  • One participant asserts that air molecules interfere with the interference pattern, indicating a straightforward understanding of the issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the effects of vapor trails and air molecules on the interference pattern, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not clarify specific assumptions regarding the experimental setup or the nature of the vapor trails, leaving some aspects of the discussion open to interpretation.

oompa
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This seems to be worth doing, but maybe I don't understand vapor trails.
Is it possible to get a two slit interference pattern from a particle that makes a vapor trail? If so could you get the interference pattern and then change the conditions inside the chamber so that a vapor trail was present. Would the interference pattern disappear?
 
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I am sorry

I am sorry, but I missed the day they did the two slit experiment in the cloud chamber. Does anyone know what happened?
 
oompa said:
I am sorry, but I missed the day they did the two slit experiment in the cloud chamber. Does anyone know what happened?
I don't know if this experiment has been done, but I know that in the ordinary Feynman double-slit experiment with electrons they have to create a vacuum between the electron gun and the screen; presumably interactions with the air molecules would destroy the interference pattern, and I'm confident this would be the case if a cloud chamber was used, since the trail would allow one to see which slit the particle went through.
 
The air molecules mess up the interference pattern. That is almost too simple. Thanks.
 

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