Double Slit Experiment & Relativistic Simultaneity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the double slit experiment and the potential application of relativistic simultaneity to explain the behavior of particles and waves during observation. Participants explore the implications of observation on wavefunction collapse and the nature of simultaneity in the context of relativity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that relativistic simultaneity could explain the change in behavior of particles/waves in the double slit experiment, proposing that observation transforms potential into a particle.
  • Another participant counters this idea by stating that relativity is deterministic and that wavefunction collapse occurs after observation, indicating a change in the system once it is 'out of view.'
  • Several participants seek clarification on the term "relativistic simultaneity," with one suggesting it may refer to the "relativity of simultaneity" and expressing uncertainty about its precise meaning.
  • A participant provides a definition of the relativity of simultaneity, explaining that the difficulty of determining simultaneity increases with distance between events and relating this to the measurement of a particle's location in the double slit experiment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relationship between observation and wavefunction collapse, with no consensus reached on the applicability of relativistic simultaneity to the double slit experiment.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the potential confusion surrounding terminology and definitions related to simultaneity and relativity, highlighting the complexity of the concepts involved.

Boeley
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In the double slit experiment, an observer appears to change the behavior of the particle/wave. Would it be possible to use relativistic simultaneity to explain the change in behavior of particles/waves? A potential passing by, and being observed by an observer, causes the potential to become a particle, and once out of view again, a wave.
 
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There're two reasons why I don't think so -
1. Relativity is a deterministic theory
2. the waavefunction collapse after the 'view' you mentioned. The system is different once 'out of view'.
 
What is "relativistic simultaneity"?
 
Phrak said:
What is "relativistic simultaneity"?

I Think he meant 'the relativity of simultineity' but we can't be too certain...
 
Glen Bartusch said:
I Think he meant 'the relativity of simultineity' but we can't be too certain...

What else could it be? I'm really asking here, not just rhetorically posing the question.
 
Relativity of Simultaneity, sorry, a lot of my information on Relativity comes from "Relativity Simply Explained" by Martin Gardner and he only explained it as "simultaneity". I'm not sure where I got the "Relativistic" from.

Regardless, Gardener explains it like this:

... if two events occur simultaneously at the same spot, it can be said absolutely that they are simultaneous. ... But the greater the distance between two events, the greater the difficulty of deciding about simultaneity.

The wave function of the particle is the possible "when and wheres" that it can exist, and the act of observation results in a sort of "collision" which causes it to exists at a particular when and a particular where.

If my idea is right, then the further away you move the observer, the less certain you can be about the location of the particle/wave you are trying to measure in the experiment.
 

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