Where Was the Observer Detector in the Double-Slit Experiments?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the role of the observer in the double-slit experiments and the implications of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle (HUP). Participants explore various interpretations of quantum mechanics, the historical context of Einstein's views, and the relevance of specific experiments like the Afshar experiment.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the position of the observer detector in the original double-slit experiment and its relation to wave function collapse.
  • There are differing views on Einstein's stance regarding quantum mechanics, with some asserting that his conclusions would have evolved with new evidence.
  • One participant draws an analogy between the uncertainty of spinning tire parts and the HUP, suggesting that observational limitations contribute to uncertainty.
  • Others challenge this analogy, arguing that it misrepresents the nature of the HUP and its implications for quantum mechanics.
  • The relevance of the Afshar experiment is mentioned, with some participants expressing confusion about its connection to the current discussion.
  • There is a debate over the completeness of quantum theory and the implications of realism, locality, and hidden variables as they relate to Einstein's views.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express multiple competing views regarding the interpretation of quantum mechanics, the implications of the HUP, and the historical context of Einstein's theories. The discussion remains unresolved, with no consensus reached on these topics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics and its principles before engaging in discussions about its implications. There are references to previous discussions on the forum regarding the HUP and related concepts.

  • #61
Come on people!, it's science not a religion. If the HUP is wrong, we all have to accept that, right? :biggrin:.
 
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  • #62
SDetection said:
Come on people!, it's science not a religion. If the HUP is wrong, we all have to accept that, right? :biggrin:.

I don't think we are the "religious" ones - that appears to be you.

This experiment and a zillion other tests of the HUP have demonstrated it is indeed correct. Every day, new and sophisticated experiments are performed on entangled particles and their behavior must follow the HUP to obtain the expected results. So the scientific community is actually performing ongoing experiments in this regard daily. That is the exact opposite of what you are saying. None of them expect a violation of the HUP, but it could happen. And if it did, we'd be reading about it. (Have you heard about dark matter? That wasn't on anyone's agenda until recently.)

So until that time, exactly what is your point?
 
  • #63
DrChinese said:
I don't think we are the "religious" ones - that appears to be you.

This experiment and a zillion other tests of the HUP have demonstrated it is indeed correct. Every day, new and sophisticated experiments are performed on entangled particles and their behavior must follow the HUP to obtain the expected results. So the scientific community is actually performing ongoing experiments in this regard daily. That is the exact opposite of what you are saying.
Hi, I'm not saying that everything is wrong, somethings will just have to be changed somehow. Maybe the HUP will be called the Relative Uncertainty Principle.
DrChinese said:
None of them expect a violation of the HUP, but it could happen. And if it did, we'd be reading about it. (Have you heard about dark matter? That wasn't on anyone's agenda until recently.)

So until that time, exactly what is your point?
I'm still preparing my argument, as I don't want to rush it this time :smile:.
 
  • #64
DrChinese said:
I don't think we are the "religious" ones - that appears to be you.

I'm sorry DrChinese if you thought that "religion" was meant as an offense. I didn't mean it that way, I thought it would be funny ?.
 
  • #65
SDetection said:
Hi, I'm not saying that everything is wrong, somethings will just have to be changed somehow. Maybe the HUP will be called the Relative Uncertainty Principle.

I'm still preparing my argument, as I don't want to rush it this time :smile:.
I think that it would be prudent at this point to remind you of the Physics Forums Global Guidelines, specifically the section concerning over speculative posts:
Physics Forums Global Guidelines said:
Overly Speculative Posts:
One of the main goals of PF is to help students learn the current status of physics as practiced by the scientific community; accordingly, Physicsforums.com strives to maintain high standards of academic integrity. There are many open questions in physics, and we welcome discussion on those subjects provided the discussion remains intellectually sound. It is against our Posting Guidelines to discuss, in most of the PF forums, new or non-mainstream theories or ideas that have not been published in professional peer-reviewed journals or are not part of current professional mainstream scientific discussion. Posts deleted under this rule will be accompanied by a private message from a Staff member, and, if appropriate, an invitation to resubmit the post in accordance with our https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=82301. Poorly formulated personal theories, unfounded challenges of mainstream science, and overt crackpottery will not be tolerated anywhere on the site. Linking to obviously "crank" or "crackpot" sites is prohibited.
 
  • #66
SDetection said:
I'm sorry DrChinese if you thought that "religion" was meant as an offense. I didn't mean it that way, I thought it would be funny ?.

No offense taken, I didn't think you meant it badly. I just don't get why you would argue against a principle that has already been studied 17 ways from Sunday. But if you like, do the experiment and publish. (That's what Afshar did.)
 
  • #67
Hootenanny said:
I think that it would be prudent at this point to remind you of the Physics Forums Global Guidelines, specifically the section concerning over speculative posts:

Thanks, but I don't think I was over speculating. Some people think that I'm totally rejecting the QM/HUP, and I was responding to that. I had to do it, and I think I did it in the accepted range. As nothing is perfect, physics can be refined all the time, and it did happen before as with Newtonian physics. If the HUP could be violated, then things just have to be reconsidered.
 
  • #68
SDetection said:
Thanks, but I don't think I was over speculating. Some people think that I'm totally rejecting the QM/HUP, and I was responding to that. I had to do it, and I think I did it in the accepted range. As nothing is perfect, physics can be refined all the time, and it did happen before as with Newtonian physics. If the HUP could be violated, then things just have to be reconsidered.

Physics gets "redefined" often, but not in ways that you are doing. It cannot be challenged simply based on a matter of tastes, or by being ignorant of it. From following this thread, it appears that you are still learning it, or simply didn't understand many different aspects of QM. So how are YOU going to be the one who would be able to do this when you haven't actually understand some of the basic premise of the theory?

Are there legitimate studies to push the boundary of the validity of QM? Sure there are! But these are done in peer-reviewed journals, not on here.

Zz.
 
  • #69
DrChinese said:
I just don't get why you would argue against a principle that has already been studied 17 ways from Sunday.
Yeah, but you know that we tend to challenge our intelligence and complicate things so we can be proud of ourselves, but things might be much more simpler than we think they are!.
DrChinese said:
But if you like, do the experiment and publish. (That's what Afshar did.)
Or you can cooperate with me to see if we can actually violate the HUP ?.
 
  • #70
This thread is done.

Zz.
 

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