Do electrons really behave like waves?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the wave-particle duality of electrons, specifically whether electrons behave like waves and what that implies for their movement and probability distributions. Participants explore concepts related to quantum mechanics, including wavefunctions, probability waves, and interference patterns, with references to experimental observations such as the double slit experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that if electrons behave as waves, one might expect to see them moving up and down, but this is challenged by others.
  • It is suggested that electrons are described by "probability waves," which determine the likelihood of finding an electron in a specific location upon observation.
  • One participant argues that the probability of finding an electron at a certain location does not change unless the properties of the system are altered, such as through observation or excitation.
  • Another participant agrees with the notion that the behavior of electrons is more akin to standing waves, which do not oscillate in time but have spatial wave properties.
  • Some participants note that electrons create interference patterns similar to photons in the double slit experiment, indicating their wave-like properties.
  • There is mention of a guide wave theory where the electron is considered a point rather than a wave, suggesting a different interpretation of wave-like behavior.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of wave behavior for electrons, particularly regarding the nature of probability distributions and the effects of observation. There is no consensus on the interpretation of these wave-like properties.

Contextual Notes

Some claims depend on specific interpretations of quantum mechanics, and the discussion includes unresolved aspects regarding the nature of wavefunctions and the conditions under which probabilities change.

LSMOG
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If we say electron behaves as wave, does this mean if we were able to see an electron, we would see it moving up and down?
 
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Nope. These waves are only "probability waves", meaning that all the wave-like properties determine the probability of the electron being within some location when you observe it. Once you observe it, the wavefunction "collapses" and the electron appears in a single spot like a particle. If you follow up your first observation with subsequent ones, you will not find the electron moving or oscillating up and down. What it will actually be doing depends on the situation.
 
No, the likelihood of finding it at a certain place will go up and down.
 
Jilang said:
No, the likelihood of finding it at a certain place will go up and down.

Not true. Unless the properties of the system change, then the probability of finding the electron at any location remains the same as before. As an example, if I observe that an electron exists around an atom in a specific location, call it X, the probability of it being at position Y remains the same as before unless I modified the system (the atom and electron in this case) by observing it, perhaps by exciting the electron to another energy level.
 
Drakkith said:
Not true. Unless the properties of the system change, then the probability of finding the electron at any location remains the same as before. As an example, if I observe that an electron exists around an atom in a specific location, call it X, the probability of it being at position Y remains the same as before unless I modified the system (the atom and electron in this case) by observing it, perhaps by exciting the electron to another energy level.
Agreed. More akin to a standing wave, which waves in space but not in time. A confined particle has that nature.
 
Electrons make Interference patterns like photons do in the double slit experiment. That implies some wave like properties.
 
anorlunda said:
Electrons make Interference patterns like photons do in the double slit experiment. That implies some wave like properties.
It implies wave-like properties of the probability amplitude distribution of position (or momentum). In a guide wave theory the electron is a point, not a wave.

Interference happens in a phase space unlike classical light.
 

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