QM: measurement vs interaction

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the interpretation of measurement in quantum mechanics, specifically regarding the single and double slit experiments. Participants argue that the photographic screen does not merely measure the position of a particle but interacts with it, causing the particle's wave function to collapse into a localized position. This perspective emphasizes the local interaction of a single screen pixel with the electron rather than the entire screen's involvement in the measurement process.

PREREQUISITES
  • Quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Understanding of wave-particle duality
  • Familiarity with the double slit experiment
  • Knowledge of wave function collapse
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  • Research the implications of local interactions in quantum mechanics
  • Explore different interpretations of quantum measurement
  • Study the role of wave function collapse in quantum theory
  • Investigate the mechanics of the double slit experiment in detail
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Physicists, students of quantum mechanics, and anyone interested in the philosophical implications of measurement in quantum theory.

oddthingy
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I'm just wondering...

Regarding the single & double slit experiments...

Why does every interpretation say that the photographic screen is 'measuring' the position of the particle traveling towards it?

Why not say that the photographic screen interacts with an electron that is spread out over a larger amount of space, to make it coallesce into a smaller amount of space?
 
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Because it's only a single screen pixel that interacts with the electron and registers its impact, not the entire screen. The interaction is local.
 

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