- #1
LostConjugate
- 850
- 3
When the electron's probability wave spreads out to a macroscopic size, what happens? How does it return to a microscopic spread in the future? Does the electron gain a new probability wave?
The electron probability wave, also known as the wave function, is a mathematical description of the probability of finding an electron in a particular location at a given time. It is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is used to describe the behavior of electrons and other subatomic particles.
The electron probability wave spreads through space as the electron moves and interacts with its surroundings. This spreading is described by the Schrödinger equation, which takes into account the particle's position, energy, and the forces acting upon it.
As the electron probability wave spreads, the particle can be found in a larger region of space. This means that there is a higher probability of finding the electron in a specific location within that region. However, the electron itself does not physically spread out, as it is still a point particle with a fixed location in space.
No, the electron's probability wave never disappears. It may become very small in certain regions of space, indicating a low probability of finding the electron there, but it still exists throughout the entire universe. This is in accordance with the principle of conservation of probability in quantum mechanics.
No, the electron's probability wave cannot be directly observed. However, its effects can be observed through experiments such as the double-slit experiment, which demonstrate the wave-like nature of particles. The probability wave itself is a mathematical concept used to make predictions about the behavior of subatomic particles.