Electrons interfere with eachother?

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    Electrons
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SUMMARY

Electrons can interfere with each other in addition to interfering with themselves, as demonstrated in quantum mechanics. When two electrons exist in a system, they form a combined wave function rather than maintaining individual wave functions. This combined wave function allows for quantum interference effects similar to those observed in single-particle scenarios, confirming that electrons do indeed interact and interfere with one another.

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  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with wave functions and their significance
  • Knowledge of the double-slit experiment
  • Basic grasp of quantum interference phenomena
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  • Study the implications of identical particles in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the mathematical formulation of wave functions in multi-particle systems
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dooces
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My apologies for what must be an ignorant question, but how do we know electrons can interfere with other electrons, and not ONLY themselves?

I have watched so many double-slit experiment videos / lectures / etc, which all go at length to prove that the electron interferes with itself, which explains the interference pattern, but then how is it proved that they interfere with each other (if they do)?
 
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dooces said:
My apologies for what must be an ignorant question, but how do we know electrons can interfere with other electrons, and not ONLY themselves?

I have watched so many double-slit experiment videos / lectures / etc, which all go at length to prove that the electron interferes with itself, which explains the interference pattern, but then how is it proved that they interfere with each other (if they do)?

If you have two electrons in a system, then you have a system of two identical particles. The electons no longer have individual wave functions. Instead, the system has a single wave function.

That system may exhibit quantum interference similar to interference for a single particle.
 
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