Probabilities in Quantum Mechanics

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the verification of probabilities in quantum mechanics, specifically regarding particles passing through two slits with equal probabilities of 1/2. It establishes that when a large number of particles (N) are sent through, the results consistently show approximately half passing through each slit. The conversation further explores whether subsequent trials with additional particles maintain these probabilities, affirming that the law of large numbers ensures that as N increases, the observed frequencies converge on the expected probabilities of 1/2 for each slit.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with probability theory
  • Knowledge of the law of large numbers
  • Basic concepts of statistical verification
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the law of large numbers in depth
  • Explore quantum mechanics experiments involving the double-slit experiment
  • Learn about statistical significance in experimental physics
  • Investigate advanced probability distributions in quantum contexts
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in physics, particularly those focusing on quantum mechanics and statistical analysis, will benefit from this discussion.

StevieTNZ
Messages
1,944
Reaction score
837
Hi there,

The average expected result for particles with 1/2 probability going through slit 1 and 1/2 probabiltiy going through 2, for a large number of particles (N) is exactly that: 1/2 slit 1, 1/2 slit 2.

We send the large number of particles through and find that roughly half go through slit 1 and half go through slit 2. But we further send another N number of particles through.

When these sort of predictions get verified, do a further N number of particles get sent through and the statistics stay roughly the same as the first N lot of particles? Is that how the average is verified?

Because couldn't you get different probabilities if you send a further N number of particles through and they deviate away from 1/2 slit 1, 1/2 slit 2?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Is it that after a finite N number of trials, the probabilities predicted are more-or-less met, and with the law of large numbers, any further trials will still conform to the predicted statistics?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
5K