Wave Particle Duality Question

[Guymillion]

Okay, so after a little research I think I have a fairly good understanding of wave particle duality. A wave function is just a wave of probability. You don't know where the particle will be until you measure it. Until then, the particle will be in superposition. While it is in superposition, it can interfere with itself, causing an interference pattern to occur in the double slit experiment. The act of measurement means that the position that the particle is in directly affects you, and because it matters which state it is in, it is no longer in superposition and it is placed in one of its possible states. In the double slit experiment, it isn't really a wave, it only acts like a wave because it interferes with itself while it is in superposition.

1. Is this understanding right?
2. How does this work into the wave particle duality?

I was EXTREMELY confused by this video:

youtube.com/watch?v=_riIY-v2Ym8

I also watched this video:

youtube.com/watch?v=wEzRdZGYNvA

Thanks if anyone can help!

 

[Mark M]

Welcome to PF!

Yes, that is the correct description. Since wavefunction collapse (the process of obtaining information about a system that makes its state apparent) is intrinsically random, an observer can describe a quantum system only by the probability of a certain outcome occurring. In particular, each outcome is assigned a probability amplitude - which is the modulus of the square root of the probability of finding the system in a particular state.

Also, W-P duality allows you to use both descriptions - particle and wave. This is very important in quantum field theory. You can describe an electromagnetic wave as a continuous ray of light, or a discrete number of excited photons, with each description being valid.

 

[Guymillion]

Thanks! That helps me understand!