A discovered "paradox" in the double slit experiment

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion centers on a paradox arising from the classical double slit experiment, particularly when introducing two observers: person 1 inside a box and person 2 outside. When person 1 measures which slit an electron passes through, the interference pattern disappears for them. However, person 2, unaware of person 1's measurement, should see an interference pattern, leading to a contradiction. The consensus is that the act of measurement by person 1 alters the experimental setup, ensuring that both observers' observations must be consistent, thus resolving the paradox.

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  • Understanding of the double slit experiment in quantum mechanics
  • Familiarity with the concept of wave-particle duality
  • Knowledge of quantum measurement theory
  • Basic principles of superposition and entanglement
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Physicists, quantum mechanics students, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of quantum measurement and observer effects.

  • #31
At this point, there is actually no answer to the measurement problem ('Schrödinger's Cat') in the many-worlds picture since the 'Einselecton' program that would allow for splitting of worlds does not work: http://arxiv.org/abs/1406.4126
Among other things, this means that 'Quantum Darwinism' does not work either as an explanation for the emergence of the macroscopic world.
 

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