Is Virtual Wave-Particle Duality a Misconception in Quantum Mechanics?

In summary, the conversation discusses the existence of virtual particles and virtual waves. The concept of wave-particle duality is considered obsolete in modern Quantum Mechanics, with virtual particles being internal lines of Feynman diagrams. The conversation also delves into the history of quantum mechanics and the different theories that have been developed. It is concluded that there is no wave-particle duality, but rather a quantum state that can exhibit different qualities such as spin and charge. The conversation also mentions the incorrect analysis of the double slit experiment and the importance of understanding quantum mechanics without relying on outdated concepts.
  • #1
brianhurren
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If there is such a thing as a virtual particle, is there also such a thing as a virtual wave? what would that actually mean?
 
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  • #2
More knowledgeable people than me would say 2 things:
*Wave-particle duality is a leftover from the early days of Quantum Mechanics. This concept is obsolete today.
* Virtual particles are internal lines of Feynman diagrams (which are pictorial representations of possible interaction scenarios in QFT and handy calculational tools in perturbation theory).
 
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  • #3
dextercioby said:
More knowledgeable people than me would say 2 things:
*Wave-particle duality is a leftover from the early days of Quantum Mechanics. This concept is obsolete today.
* Virtual particles are internal lines of Feynman diagrams (which are pictorial representations of possible interaction scenarios in QFT and handy calculational tools in perturbation theory).
So let me get this straight. particle wave duality is a left over from early qf because the physisist then were stuck in a paradime over particles and waves, as a result of observing material particles and mechanical waves in real world Newtonian physics. so in conclusion. a Tron ( say an electron.) sometimes be haves like a particle and sometimes like a wave. infact a Tron is neither (it is actually beyond our experience at our scale of existence where most things observed with the naked eye obey Newton.). there for waves are not the only thing that can create an interference pattern. The particle-wave nature of Trons is just one of the qualities that they have along with a raft of other quantum values like spin and charge ect.
 
  • #4
brianhurren said:
So let me get this straight. particle wave duality is a left over from early qf

Its left over from ideas that were about prior to Dirac publishing his transformation theory in December 1926:
http://www.lajpe.org/may08/09_Carlos_Madrid.pdf

Specifically it was part of the 1924 thesis of De-Broglie that led to Schroedinger's equation and wave mechanics. But there was this thing called matrix mechanics that didn't have it and it was just as successful. Dirac showed they were two aspects of a more general theory based on observables and a quantum state with the wave-particle idea nowhere in sight.

That theory is basically what goes under the name of QM today. There is no wave-particle duality - simply this thing called a quantum state.

Why it still hangs around is because of the semi historical approach most texts take.

brianhurren said:
there for waves are not the only thing that can create an interference pattern.

The correct analysis of the double slit experiment has nothing to do with waves:
http://cds.cern.ch/record/1024152/files/0703126.pdf

Thanks
Bill
 
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Related to Is Virtual Wave-Particle Duality a Misconception in Quantum Mechanics?

1. What are virtual particles and waves?

Virtual particles and waves are fluctuations in the quantum field that cannot be directly observed but have measurable effects on observable particles and fields.

2. How are virtual particles and waves created?

Virtual particles and waves are created through quantum fluctuations in the vacuum energy of the quantum field. They can also be created through interactions between particles.

3. Do virtual particles and waves have mass?

Virtual particles and waves have no fixed mass, as they are fluctuations in the quantum field. However, their effects can be observed as if they have mass.

4. What is the significance of virtual particles and waves in quantum mechanics?

Virtual particles and waves play a crucial role in quantum mechanics as they help explain the behavior and interactions of particles at the quantum level. They also play a role in various quantum phenomena, such as the Casimir effect.

5. Can virtual particles and waves be observed directly?

No, virtual particles and waves cannot be observed directly as they do not exist as independent particles. However, their effects can be observed and measured through various experiments and calculations.

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