Do electrons really behave like waves?

In summary, electron behaves as a wave in terms of probability, with its wavefunction determining the likelihood of finding it at a certain location. However, once observed, the electron appears in a single spot like a particle. Interference patterns in experiments suggest wave-like properties of the probability amplitude distribution in a guide wave theory.
  • #1
LSMOG
62
0
If we say electron behaves as wave, does this mean if we were able to see an electron, we would see it moving up and down?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Nope. These waves are only "probability waves", meaning that all the wave-like properties determine the probability of the electron being within some location when you observe it. Once you observe it, the wavefunction "collapses" and the electron appears in a single spot like a particle. If you follow up your first observation with subsequent ones, you will not find the electron moving or oscillating up and down. What it will actually be doing depends on the situation.
 
  • #3
No, the likelihood of finding it at a certain place will go up and down.
 
  • #4
Jilang said:
No, the likelihood of finding it at a certain place will go up and down.

Not true. Unless the properties of the system change, then the probability of finding the electron at any location remains the same as before. As an example, if I observe that an electron exists around an atom in a specific location, call it X, the probability of it being at position Y remains the same as before unless I modified the system (the atom and electron in this case) by observing it, perhaps by exciting the electron to another energy level.
 
  • #5
Drakkith said:
Not true. Unless the properties of the system change, then the probability of finding the electron at any location remains the same as before. As an example, if I observe that an electron exists around an atom in a specific location, call it X, the probability of it being at position Y remains the same as before unless I modified the system (the atom and electron in this case) by observing it, perhaps by exciting the electron to another energy level.
Agreed. More akin to a standing wave, which waves in space but not in time. A confined particle has that nature.
 
  • #6
Electrons make Interference patterns like photons do in the double slit experiment. That implies some wave like properties.
 
  • #7
anorlunda said:
Electrons make Interference patterns like photons do in the double slit experiment. That implies some wave like properties.
It implies wave-like properties of the probability amplitude distribution of position (or momentum). In a guide wave theory the electron is a point, not a wave.

Interference happens in a phase space unlike classical light.
 

1. How can electron waves be considered waves if they cannot be seen?

Electron waves are a form of electromagnetic radiation, which means they are made up of oscillating electric and magnetic fields. While we cannot see these waves with our eyes, we can detect them using specialized equipment such as electron microscopes.

2. How are water waves and electron waves similar?

Both water waves and electron waves exhibit properties of waves, such as wavelength, frequency, and amplitude. They also both travel through a medium, whether it be water or the vacuum of space.

3. Why do we refer to electron waves as waves if they do not behave like traditional waves?

While electron waves do not behave exactly like water waves, they still exhibit wave-like behavior. They can diffract, interfere, and exhibit particle-like behavior, which is why they are often referred to as "wave-particle duality."

4. Can electron waves carry energy like water waves?

Yes, electron waves can carry energy just like water waves. In fact, electron waves are used in many technologies such as computer screens and medical imaging devices, where they carry energy in the form of photons.

5. How do we know that electron waves exist if we cannot see them?

Scientists have been able to observe the behavior of electron waves through experiments and mathematical models. Additionally, the properties and behaviors of electron waves have been successfully used to explain many phenomena in the fields of quantum mechanics and electromagnetism.

Similar threads

  • Quantum Physics
2
Replies
36
Views
1K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
1
Views
861
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
3
Views
246
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
4
Views
730
Replies
4
Views
356
Replies
9
Views
772
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
7
Views
982
Replies
28
Views
4K
Replies
21
Views
980
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
14
Views
1K
Back
Top