How Does 'Collapse' Occur in Bohm Mech.

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In summary, Bohm Mechanics does not involve a collapse of the wave function like traditional quantum mechanics does. Each particle has a definite position guided by the pilot wave, and over time, certain parts of the wave function become irrelevant. This can be seen as equivalent to the collapse of the wave function in traditional QM.
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How does one obtain a collapse of the wave function in Bohm Mechanics? The pilot wave is guided by the Scrodinger equation - but how do definite states arise?
 
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No body really knows... Its just an experimental fact. Wave functions collapse, and give a result with the appropriate probability.
 
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In Bohmian mechanics there is no collapse. Each particle has a definite position guided by the pilot wave, which is essentially the wave function of traditional QM. This wave function never collapses.

However, over time certain parts of the wave function become irrelevant, as they deal with configurations of the system far from the actual, definite configuration. Accordingly the system's actual configuration will never again be affected by these parts of the wave function. If we are doing a calculation we can forget about these parts of the wave function, or set them to zero. Doing so is exactly the same thing as collapsing the wave function in traditional QM.
 

FAQ: How Does 'Collapse' Occur in Bohm Mech.

How does 'collapse' occur in Bohm mechanics?

In Bohm mechanics, 'collapse' refers to the idea that the position of a particle becomes definite when it is measured. This occurs due to the interaction between the particle and its surrounding quantum field, which causes the particle's wave function to collapse into a single state.

What is the role of the quantum potential in 'collapse' in Bohm mechanics?

The quantum potential, also known as the Bohm potential, is a key component in the 'collapse' process in Bohm mechanics. It is responsible for guiding the trajectory of the particle, and ultimately determining its position when measured.

Can 'collapse' be observed in experiments?

Yes, 'collapse' can be observed in experiments. One example is the double-slit experiment, where the wave-like behavior of particles can be seen as they pass through the slits, but their position becomes definite when they are measured at the screen.

How does Bohm mechanics differ from other interpretations of quantum mechanics in terms of 'collapse'?

In Bohm mechanics, 'collapse' is seen as a real physical process, rather than a collapse of the wave function due to measurement. This is in contrast to the Copenhagen interpretation, where 'collapse' is seen as a collapse of the wave function due to measurement.

Is there a consensus on the nature of 'collapse' in Bohm mechanics?

There is ongoing debate and discussion among physicists about the nature of 'collapse' in Bohm mechanics. Some argue that it is a fundamental aspect of reality, while others view it as a mathematical construct within the theory. Ultimately, the true nature of 'collapse' in Bohm mechanics is still a topic of exploration and research.

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