Question about what the bleep do we know and superposition of a particle.

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    Particle Superposition
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the double-slit experiment and the concept of superposition in quantum mechanics. Participants explore whether a single particle can be said to go through both slits simultaneously or if this is merely an assumption. The implications of measurement on the wavefunction and the possibility of obtaining concrete evidence of superposition are also examined.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether a single particle actually goes through both slits at once or if this is just an assumption, noting that measurement collapses the wavefunction.
  • Another participant suggests that attempting to measure which slit the particle goes through would destroy the interference pattern, implying that the nature of the measurement affects the outcome.
  • A participant expresses frustration with the reference to "What the Bleep Do We Know?" and encourages searching for existing discussions on the topic instead of revisiting the film.
  • There is a reiteration of the principle of superposition, emphasizing that the question does not require reference to the film.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of measurement in the double-slit experiment and the interpretation of superposition. There is no consensus on the nature of a particle's behavior in this context.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the need for concrete evidence of superposition, such as a video or picture, while acknowledging that such evidence would constitute a measurement, thus complicating the inquiry.

Bluesky
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Question about "what the bleep do we know" and superposition of a particle.

well it seems that "what the bleep" is somewhat a touchy subject to many people, ill ask my question in a different way then.

question on the 2slit experiment: does a single particle actually go through both slits at once, or is it a mere assumption. since, by measuring/observing which slit it actually goes through collpases the wavefuntion. is there no possible way to come up with concrete evidence, say a video or a picture of a single particle being at multiple places, or in this case going through both slits at once? i would imagine that a video or a picture would be an act of measurement, therefor impossible?
 
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OH NO; NOT THE B L E E P AGAIN

Someone hold up the physics version of the cross and start throwing on holy water!

While they are doing that Bluesky use the search function to find threads with "BLEEP" in it to see where this movie has been dealt with many many times. You find better recommendations and all the comments you will ever need about that movie.

That way you need never speak of that thing again!
 
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Could it be that if one tries to locate which slit the particle goes through by taking a posotion measurement, we would find that the double-slit interference pattern is destroyed and one can not know how this sinble particle passes through the two slits?
Doc

"A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five."
----Groucho Marx
 
Bluesky said:
well it seems that "what the bleep" is somewhat a touchy subject to many people, ill ask my question in a different way then.

question on the 2slit experiment: does a single particle actually go through both slits at once, or is it a mere assumption. since, by measuring/observing which slit it actually goes through collpases the wavefuntion. is there no possible way to come up with concrete evidence, say a video or a picture of a single particle being at multiple places, or in this case going through both slits at once? i would imagine that a video or a picture would be an act of measurement, therefor impossible?

What you are asking is the principle of superposition. There is no need to drag in that awful "movie".

Please do a search in the QM forum for the 2-slit experiment, or the principle of superposition. Once you find one, if you still think that you have further questions to ask, please continue there.

Zz.
 

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