- #1
Stern-Gerlach experiment Problem
- Thread starter BREAD
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Experiment Stern-gerlach
Click For Summary
Homework Help Overview
The discussion revolves around the Stern-Gerlach experiment, focusing on the implications of measuring electron spin in different scenarios. Participants are exploring the nature of interference and probability distributions related to quantum states.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking
Approaches and Questions Raised
- Participants discuss the outcomes of measuring electron spin in various cases, questioning the presence of interference and the ability to determine the path taken by electrons. They consider the implications of wavefunctions and probability distributions.
Discussion Status
There is an active exploration of the relationships between the different cases presented, with participants questioning their assumptions about interference and measurement outcomes. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of electron paths and the implications of spin measurements.
Contextual Notes
Participants are navigating the complexities of quantum mechanics, particularly in relation to measurement and interference, while adhering to homework constraints that limit the provision of direct solutions.
- #2
- 15,949
- 9,143
Consider the wavefunctions in each case and the probability distribution at the screen that they entail.BREAD said:
- #3
BREAD
- 50
- 0
(c) is just sum of l+> + l-> so the answer is same with (b), and i don't know if there is interference between l+> and l+>kuruman said:
- #4
- 15,949
- 9,143
In case (c), if you were to measure an electron's spin with another Stern-Gerlach machine, would you be able to tell through which slit the electron emerged?BREAD said:
What about if you did the same with an electron in case (d)?
- #5
BREAD
- 50
- 0
I think , in case of (c) , there would be same amount of electron goes through each slit.kuruman said:
- #6
- 15,949
- 9,143
My question to you was not about amounts of electrons.BREAD said:
1. Suppose in case (c) you measured the spin of an electron to the right of the slits and you found it is "up". Would you be able to tell through which slit it went through?
2. Suppose in case (d) you measured the spin of an electron to the right of the slits and you found it is "up". Would you be able to tell through which slit it went through?
- #7
BREAD
- 50
- 0
kuruman said:
up spin go through upper slit
and in (d), up spin would be found in both slits
- #8
- 15,949
- 9,143
So in (c) you know through which slit the electrons have passed through, but in (d) you do not know. Can you put it together now in view of your answers in (a) and (b) and what you know about quantum interference?
- #9
BREAD
- 50
- 0
kuruman said:
I think in (c), upper slit ( + ) and lower slit ( - ) will interfere each other, and similarly, upper slit (+) and lower slit(+) will interfere each other in (d).
Or do i have to focus on that l+> and l-> are independent each other, so there are no interfere between l+> and l-> ??
- #10
- 15,949
- 9,143
Please read about "which way" experiments here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double-slit_experiment
- #11
BREAD
- 50
- 0
I think i get it , this is my answer
But, is it right that i have to draw a half intensity in (c),(d) compared to (a),(b)
But, is it right that i have to draw a half intensity in (c),(d) compared to (a),(b)
- #12
- 15,949
- 9,143
It's not a matter of intensity. If the electron flux is the same in all four cases, then what do you think should be the same in all four graphs?BREAD said:
Similar threads
- · Replies 7 ·
- · Replies 16 ·
- · Replies 43 ·
- · Replies 19 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 1 ·
- · Replies 16 ·
- · Replies 12 ·
- · Replies 24 ·
- · Replies 0 ·