How long can a Wavefunction exist for?

In summary, a collapsed wavefunction cannot be retrieved, as it is gone once it collapses and the particle's history begins anew. Wave functions do not have a natural lifetime and are assumed to collapse due to external factors. The idea of a physical wave function is uncertain, and theories such as GRW suggest a finite probability of collapse at any time. However, this theory is not widely accepted due to conflicting experimental evidence.
  • #1
Olias
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And can a collapsed wavefunction be retreived?
 
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  • #2
Once the wave function has collapsed, it is gone, and the hisotry of the particle begins anew from whatever physical state the previous wave collapsed to.

There is no natural lifetime for a wave function. They are conceived as going along until something causes a collapse. This is all assuming the wave function is something physical, which is a doubtful assumption.
 
  • #3
You might as well ask how long is a piece of string?

Actually saying that in GRW there is a finite proabilty of a wavefunction collapsing into a localized stae at any time, but GRW theory's hardly popular, mainly due to the fact that experimental evidence seems to disagree with it.
 

FAQ: How long can a Wavefunction exist for?

How is the duration of a wavefunction determined?

The duration of a wavefunction is determined by the lifetime of the particle it describes. Once the particle decays or undergoes a radioactive decay, the wavefunction ceases to exist.

Can a wavefunction exist indefinitely?

No, a wavefunction cannot exist indefinitely. According to the uncertainty principle, the more accurately we know the position of a particle, the less accurately we know its momentum. This means that a wavefunction will eventually collapse and no longer exist.

What factors can affect the duration of a wavefunction?

The duration of a wavefunction can be affected by various factors such as the energy of the particle, the environment it is in, and any interactions with other particles. These factors can cause the wavefunction to collapse sooner or later than expected.

Is the duration of a wavefunction constant for all particles?

No, the duration of a wavefunction can vary for different particles. For example, the lifetime of an electron is much longer than that of a proton. This is due to differences in mass and energy levels between particles.

Can a wavefunction exist beyond the lifetime of its corresponding particle?

No, a wavefunction cannot exist beyond the lifetime of its corresponding particle. The wavefunction is a mathematical description of the particle and is dependent on its existence. Once the particle ceases to exist, the wavefunction will also cease to exist.

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