They found that wave-particle duality is simply the quantum uncertainty principle in disguise, reducing two mysteries to one. Wave-particle duality is the idea that a quantum object can behave like a wave, but that the wave behaviour disappears if you try to locate the object. Its most simply seen in a double slit experiment, where single particles, electrons, say, are fired one by one at a screen containing two narrow slits. The particles pile up behind the slits not in two heaps as classical objects would, but in a stripy pattern like youd expect for waves interfering. At least this is what happens until you sneak a look at which slit a particle goes through - do that and the interference pattern vanishes. The quantum uncertainty principle is the idea that its impossible to know certain pairs of things about a quantum particle at once. For example, the more precisely you know the position of an atom, the less precisely you can know the speed with which its moving. Its a limit on the fundamental knowability of nature, not a statement on measurement skill.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 01:50:02 +0000
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