Cloud Chambers and The Double Slit

In summary, the conversation discusses the disappearance of the interference pattern in the double slit experiment when performed in a cloud chamber. The cause of this disappearance is the process of observation, or measurement, which is considered to "collapse" the wave function. After the first measurement, the electron behaves as a particle and the interference pattern does not reappear. The question of whether the interference pattern would reappear with a different medium in the chamber is also raised. The conclusion is that the interaction with the cloud particles, rather than the observation itself, is what causes the interference pattern to disappear.
  • #1
Amanita-Virosa
5
1
As I understand this, if the double slit experiment is performed in a cloud chamber the interference pattern of the electrons disappear and tracks are seen within the vapour.

Does the interference pattern disappear because by the process of observation (permitted by the cloud chamber) we have "collapsed" the wavefunction? If so what happens after the first "position measurement" (condensation of the cloud) has been made. Does it behave as a particle (like a billiard ball) or does it "regain" an uncollapsed wavefunction? If it does (and this is what I understand to be happening) why do we see a track and not just random points thoughout the chamber and one might expect from an indeterministic "collapse" process.

What if the vapour in the chamber was replaced by a medium that might interact with the electron in a similar manner by didn't allow us to see the track - say, a very dense gas under pressure maybe? Would the interference pattern reappear or not? Is it interaction or observation (measurement) causing the disappearance of the interference pattern?

Thanks
 
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  • #2
The interaction between the cloud particles and the electron consists in a measurement, so this is indeed what makes the interference pattern disappear ("collapse" of the wave function is specific to a particular interpretation of QM, so I'll leave it as "measurement").

The fact that we can observe or not the track is irrelevant. The interaction with the cloud particles is the only ingredient really necessary here.
 

What is a Cloud Chamber and how does it work?

A Cloud Chamber is a scientific apparatus used to detect and visualize the paths of ionizing radiation. It works by creating a supersaturated environment through the use of alcohol, water, and dry ice. When charged particles pass through the chamber, they ionize the gas molecules, creating a trail of droplets that can be seen under a bright light source.

Why are Cloud Chambers important in scientific research?

Cloud Chambers are important in scientific research because they allow scientists to observe and study the behavior of ionizing radiation, which is crucial in fields such as nuclear physics and particle physics. They also provide a way to visualize and track the paths of particles, which can lead to a better understanding of their properties and interactions.

What is the Double Slit experiment and what does it demonstrate?

The Double Slit experiment is a classic physics experiment that involves shining a beam of light through two parallel slits and observing the pattern of light that emerges on a screen behind the slits. It demonstrates the wave-like behavior of light, as the light waves interfere with each other to create a pattern of bright and dark fringes.

How does the Double Slit experiment relate to the concept of duality in quantum mechanics?

The Double Slit experiment is often used as an illustration of the concept of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics. It shows that particles, such as photons of light, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior, depending on how they are observed. This phenomenon challenges our traditional understanding of particles and their behavior.

What are some practical applications of the Double Slit experiment?

The Double Slit experiment has practical applications in various fields, such as optics and electronics. It is used in the development of diffraction gratings, which are used in spectrometers and other optical instruments. It is also used in the study of electron diffraction, which has applications in electron microscopy and the development of electronic devices. Additionally, the principles of the Double Slit experiment are used in modern technologies such as holography and quantum computing.

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