Does the wave function spread more quickly after it is observed?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of the position wave function after measurement, specifically whether it spreads more quickly post-observation. Participants agree that upon measurement, the wave function collapses to a more localized state, leading to increased uncertainty in momentum due to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle. This results in a faster spread of the wave packet over time. The Schroedinger equation governs the evolution of the wave function both before and after collapse, indicating that while the wave function may appear to spread more quickly post-measurement, it is fundamentally described by the same mathematical framework.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
  • Familiarity with the Schroedinger equation
  • Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics and wave functions
  • Concept of wave packet dynamics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle on wave function behavior
  • Explore the mathematical details of the Schroedinger equation in quantum mechanics
  • Investigate experimental setups that measure wave function collapse
  • Examine the relationship between wave packet tightness and spreading rates
USEFUL FOR

Quantum physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and researchers interested in wave function behavior and measurement effects in quantum systems.

  • #31
Sciencemaster said:
Of course, I could be wrong, I am human after all. The skeptical emoji is making me nervous...
The Internet is awash with simulations and lectures on the free particle wave-packet:



 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
Honestly, I was hoping for an interactive simulation. I was hoping to create something like the first video, but then partway through collapse the wave function. Reflecting on this further, I can better say this as the collapse of the wave function creating a wider spread in the momentum space wave function through the Fourier Transform, which does indeed seem to happen, please correct me if I am wrong.
 
  • #33
Sciencemaster said:
Honestly, I was hoping for an interactive simulation. I was hoping to create something like the first video, but then partway through collapse the wave function. Reflecting on this further, I can better say this as the collapse of the wave function creating a wider spread in the momentum space wave function through the Fourier Transform, which does indeed seem to happen, please correct me if I am wrong.

That's correct. A wave function with a narrow spread in position has a broad spread in momentum. That is the uncertainty principle. However, this does not say anything about how the spread changes with time.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71

Similar threads

Graduate Can particles appear and disappear "with" a cause?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Can someone please explain to me the motion of an electron?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad How Do We Model Wave Function Collapse After Measuring Particle Location?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Is There A Study Showing The Observer Effect Ignoring Conscious Intent?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Undergrad Measurement problem - will this work?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Wave function collapse and measurement rule
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Wave function of particle / quantum field in space, also in time?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Undergrad Locality and Wave Function Collapse Implications
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Undergrad Feedback on Educational Script: What's a particle in QFT?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
High School Does Wavelength Affect Uncertainty in Macroscopic Objects?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K