- #1
Ronmarc
Would it be theoretically possible to perform a two slit experiment with, say, baseballs? How would such an experiment need be set up?
Two slit experiment w baseballs
- Context: Undergrad
- Thread starter Ronmarc
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Discussion Overview
The discussion centers on the theoretical possibility of conducting a two slit experiment using baseballs, exploring the implications of quantum mechanics and the challenges associated with macroscopic objects in such experiments.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
Main Points Raised
- Some participants propose that while it may be theoretically possible to perform a two slit experiment with baseballs, practical challenges make it unlikely.
- Others argue that baseballs are not quantum objects, which complicates the feasibility of such an experiment.
- A participant mentions that the largest object shown to exhibit interference in a similar context is C60 (buckminsterfullerene), highlighting the scale limitations of macroscopic objects.
- There is a discussion about the necessity of preventing which-path information to observe interference, with some noting that achieving this with baseballs would be extremely challenging due to their physical properties.
- One participant emphasizes that theoretical possibilities do not guarantee practical realizability, suggesting a distinction between mathematical theory and experimental application.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of conducting the experiment with baseballs, with some asserting it is impractical while others acknowledge a theoretical possibility under specific conditions.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights limitations related to the definitions of quantum objects, the challenges of isolation in experiments, and the unresolved nature of practical implementation for macroscopic objects.
- #2
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No, not really. Baseballs are not quantum objects. THEORETICALLY, it is perhaps not literally impossible but I don't believe that in practice that it is possible.Ronmarc said:
https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/buckyball-double-slit-experiment.487816/
- #3
Ronmarc
Thank you. But in the link you provided, someone states that the two slit experiment could be performed on asteroids "in perfect isolation". I'm confused.phinds said:
- #4
DrChinese
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Ronmarc said:
About the largest object that has been diffracted to show interference is C60 (buckminsterfullerene):
http://www.univie.ac.at/qfp/research/matterwave/c60/index.html
Keep in mind that to show the interference, you cannot know which-path information. That is why the comment was made about being in isolation. Clearly, that alone would be a severe challenge with baseballs that emit light/heat. That would tell you, at least in principle, which path the object took.
- #5
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I don't see any conflict with that statement and my statement. As DrChinese pointed out, the practical aspects of keeping baseballs "in perfect isolation" are pretty much insurmountable. Just because math says that something is theoretically possible does NOT mean that it can be made to happen in the real world.Ronmarc said:
- #6
mikeyork
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You could do it if you could prevent any knowledge of which slit they passed through from being available in the knowable universe. If you think about it, it would be very difficult for nothing anywhere to notice baseballs en route through baseball size slits.
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