Feynman Double-Slit: 2nd Slit Effects Explored

In summary, firing electrons at a double-slit and letting them hit a wall produces light and dark bands. When shining a light on the electrons to determine their paths, there is no interference pattern. However, if the electrons are forced through another double-slit after the light is shined, it is as if two sources were used in the original experiment. The distance between the two sets of slits is important for an interference pattern to appear.
  • #1
decoherent
2
0
If you fire electrons, one after the other, at a double-slit, and let them hit a wall, you get light and dark bands.

If you shine a light on the electrons as they pass through the double-slit to find out which of the paths they took, there's no interference pattern, just two piles.

That's the Feynman double-slit.

Now...

What happens if, after you shine the light, you force them through ANOTHER double-slit?

Does the distance between the 1st double-slit and 2nd double-slit matter?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
decoherent said:
What happens if, after you shine the light, you force them through ANOTHER double-slit?
It is as if two sources were used in the original experiment.

decoherent said:
Does the distance between the 1st double-slit and 2nd double-slit matter?
Yes. For an interference pattern to appear, the two sets of slits must be far enough apart such that particles coming from both of the first pair of slits can reach either of the second pair of slits.
 

1. What is the Feynman double-slit experiment?

The Feynman double-slit experiment is a thought experiment designed by physicist Richard Feynman to explain the behavior of particles at the quantum level. It involves shining a beam of light or particles through two parallel slits, and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen.

2. What is the purpose of the second slit in the Feynman double-slit experiment?

The second slit in the Feynman double-slit experiment is used to explore the effects of quantum interference. By adding a second slit, the experiment allows for the observation of interference patterns that are not present in a single-slit experiment, providing insight into the wave-particle duality of particles.

3. How does the second slit affect the interference pattern in the Feynman double-slit experiment?

The second slit in the Feynman double-slit experiment creates an interference pattern that is a combination of the patterns created by each individual slit. The interference pattern produced by the second slit can enhance or cancel out the interference pattern from the first slit, resulting in a complex overall pattern.

4. What does the Feynman double-slit experiment tell us about the nature of particles?

The Feynman double-slit experiment demonstrates the strange behavior of particles at the quantum level. It shows that particles can behave as both waves and particles, and their behavior is influenced by the act of observation. This experiment challenges our understanding of the nature of reality and highlights the limitations of classical physics.

5. How does the Feynman double-slit experiment relate to the concept of superposition?

The Feynman double-slit experiment is often used to explain the concept of superposition, which is the idea that a particle can exist in multiple states or locations simultaneously. In this experiment, the particle passes through both slits at the same time, demonstrating the principles of superposition and the strange behavior of particles at the quantum level.

Similar threads

I Double-slit experiment, determining which slit an electron passed thru
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
26
Views
1K
I "Wave-particle duality" and double-slit experiment
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
B What is causing destructive interference in double slit experiment?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
32
Views
2K
I Measurement and Thermal Effects Similar?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
18
Views
1K
I Double slit experiment with observer
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
14
Views
1K
B Double Double Slit Experiment -- Question about Variations
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
773
B Double Slit Experiment: Dumb question that needs to be asked
    • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
60
Views
3K
B View double slit from other end
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
510
I Is it possible for a BBO crystal to produce an interference pattern?
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
631
B Double slit experiment combined with Stern-Gerlach
    • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top