Insights Blog
-- Browse All Articles --
Physics Articles
Physics Tutorials
Physics Guides
Physics FAQ
Math Articles
Math Tutorials
Math Guides
Math FAQ
Education Articles
Education Guides
Bio/Chem Articles
Technology Guides
Computer Science Tutorials
Forums
Classical Physics
Quantum Physics
Quantum Interpretations
Special and General Relativity
Atomic and Condensed Matter
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Beyond the Standard Model
Cosmology
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Other Physics Topics
Trending
Featured Threads
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Classical Physics
Quantum Physics
Quantum Interpretations
Special and General Relativity
Atomic and Condensed Matter
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Beyond the Standard Model
Cosmology
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Other Physics Topics
Menu
Log in
Register
Navigation
More options
Contact us
Close Menu
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Forums
Physics
High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
A question about wave/particle duality
Reply to thread
Message
[QUOTE="Kenneth Boon Faker, post: 6012179, member: 644120"] Subatomic particles can take the form of a wave or a particle. While in wave form, it is not like a physical wave, but rather a probability wave, (i.e. a wave of information about where the particle is probably located etc.) And while in particle form, a photon, for example, can knock electrons out of atoms in a similar fashion to a coconut shy. This implies that whilst in 'particle form' a subatomic particle has a more solid aspect than whilst in 'wave form'. My question is: Are there particular points at which subatomic particles shift from waves to particles? Do they keep shifting to-and-fro, in the sense of manifesting as a wave then as a particle, and back to a wave again? If so, how long can they spend at each phase? I've read many times that only when you measure it, does a particle snap into definite existence at a particular location - but only at the point of measurement. I don't understand this. Does this imply that if a particle isn't measured let's say for an hour, then during that hour a particle must be a wave, which isn't an actual solid object? And only once it's been observed does it become the 'more solid' aspect? And at what point might it turn into a wave again? How can this behaviour build up the physical world, which seems to be so constantly solid? I know I've asked a lot of questions there, hope that's okay. I'm trying to firm up my knowledge about quantum mechanics. Thanks in advance, kenny [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Post reply
Forums
Physics
High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
A question about wave/particle duality
Back
Top