Undergrad Can diffraction be explained by quantisation?

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The discussion centers on whether the diffraction pattern observed through a single slit can be explained by the quantization of momentum. Participants clarify that while momentum is affected by the slit, it is not conserved in the traditional sense due to interactions with the slit material. The uncertainty principle plays a crucial role, as the precise position of particles leads to an uncertain momentum, resulting in the diffraction pattern. The conversation also touches on the need for a more nuanced understanding of wave functions and the limitations of certain theoretical approaches. Overall, the complexities of quantum mechanics and diffraction are acknowledged, emphasizing that the original conjecture about quantization may not fully capture the phenomenon.
  • #31
Jilang said:
I was wondering if the diffraction pattern through a single slit

The full answer is quite advanced but isn't along the of the slit quantizing the wave function etc. The paper I linked does not tell the full story but sometimes physics is like that - the answer depends on your level of sophistication.

Thanks
Bill
 

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