Erwin Schrodinger, (1887 – 1961), created the most famous thought experiment of all time. However, it has been generally misunderstood. Quantum physics is a subject that’s hard to understand. Indeed, Richard Feynman, one of the greatest of modern physicists is quoted as saying, “If you think you understand quantum mechanics, you don’t understand quantum mechanics”. Some of the apparent fundamentals of the quantum world appear to be beyond our understanding; I’ll modify that – ALL of the apparent fundamentals of the quantum world appear to be beyond our understanding! So don’t worry if this short article doesn’t shine a light on your comprehension of this subject. It’s not meant to; it can’t…
But it might help you
to understand the function of Schrodinger’s thought experiment. In a
conversation with Albert Einstein in 1935, in which Schrodinger discussed his
concerns about the most popular interpretation of quantum physics, known as the
Copenhagen Interpretation. The problem was with what became known as Quantum Superposition,
in which, at a sub-atomic level two different particles appeared to be
occupying the same space at the same time. The one that actually was in that
place depended on it being looked at! Don’t try to work it out.
In Schrodinger's imaginary experiment, you place a cat in a box with a
tiny bit of radioactive substance. When the radioactive substance decays, it
triggers a Geiger counter which causes a poison or explosion to be released
that kills the cat. Now, the decay of the radioactive substance is governed by
the laws of quantum mechanics. This means that the atom starts in a combined
state of "going to decay" and "not going to decay". Therefore,
the cat is considered to be both dead and alive at the same time but only
until it is observed, at which time it will become either one or the other!
Here’s where the misconception is: this wasn’t meant to explain quantum
theory but to point out the paradox it contains.
I'm listening to the classical guitarist John Williams play JS Bach's Gavotte & Rondo. Andre Segovia said of Williams, when he was still a teenager, "God has laid a finger on his brow." Listen to it here!
9 comments:
Far beyond my comprehension...... but interesting.
Hello Bazza, I think that the problem is easier to understand when just thinking about subatomic particles. Making a comparison with our familiar world-at-large just confuses things. We know how cats behave, but for things like photons we can need to follow the scientific theory. There is a video on Youtube that explains some of the cat problem ramifications:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GerzZ6GDe-0
--Jim
As we age, we expect that tricky concepts in the younger decades will become clearer and more relevant with life experience. Care of a neonate, for example, is unknowable at 18, easier at 28 but still hard work, and pure pleasure at 38. But some subjects will remain unknowable forever.
Hi Bazza - I've always enjoyed the concept of Schrodinger's cat - it still bemuses me - perhaps that's the best verb?! Thanks for this ... cheers Hilary
Haddock: You and everyone else!
Jim: I will be checking that You Tube video next. I doubt if it will help!
Hels: Well, I suppose that if a newborn child is indoctrinated into the mysteries and delights of quantum theory at the earliest possible age, then they might have a chance of understanding it. But I doubt if it's worth it...
Hilary: It was such a powerful concept that very many people are familiar with it even if the nothing else about quantum theory!
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