Two slit electron diffraction / observer

In summary, when an electron is not observed at either slit, it exhibits an interference pattern, but when observed, it behaves as a particle with a defined state. This is due to the interaction with the measuring device changing its wavefunction. If an electron is observed at only one slit, the resulting pattern will be a single vertical line from the observable slit, and a wave distribution from the non-observable slit. However, as the distance from the observable position increases, the electron will exhibit wave behavior again. In the case of three slits, observing at only one slit will result in a single vertical line and an interference pattern caused by the non-observable slits.
  • #1
Goodver
102
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In case when we don't observe the presence of an electron at either slit, there is an interference pattern, in case we do observe there is a 2 band patter, as an electron would be a particle.

I understand that without an observation, the state of an electron in a superposition of all eigen values of the wave function, and the fact of "observing" means measuring device by interacting with the electron changed its wavefunction in a way that it is now has a defined solution.

I agree that, when we observe an electron at both slits, for any case when electron goes through either slit it will have a defined state and it will behave as a particle, thus we have 2 lines on the screen, corresponding to each slit.

But:

1. What if we observe an electron only at 1 slit, will the result on the screen be one vertical line from the observable slit, and wave distribution from non-observable slit?

2. When electron is observed it is localized, but when it travels further will it again get a wave behavior as the distance from the observable position increase? Meaning if we observe the electron not at the slits but at the source of the electron, and then while it will reach the slits it will behave as a wave again.

3. In case we have 3 slits and observe only at 1 slit, will the resulting pattern be 1 vertical line, and interference pattern caused by non observable 2 slits?

Thank you.
 
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  • #2
If you observe it at one slit, you get the same information as with an observation on both slits, and you will get two independent patterns.
Goodver said:
When electron is observed it is localized, but when it travels further will it again get a wave behavior as the distance from the observable position increase?
Right, that's why you get two single-slit patterns if the observation just distinguishs between the slits.
Goodver said:
Meaning if we observe the electron not at the slits but at the source of the electron, and then while it will reach the slits it will behave as a wave again.
Right.
Goodver said:
3. In case we have 3 slits and observe only at 1 slit, will the resulting pattern be 1 vertical line, and interference pattern caused by non observable 2 slits?
Yes.
 
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FAQ: Two slit electron diffraction / observer

1. What is the two slit electron diffraction experiment?

The two slit electron diffraction experiment is a classic experiment in quantum mechanics that demonstrates the wave-like nature of electrons. It involves shooting a beam of electrons through two slits and observing the resulting interference pattern on a screen.

2. How does the two slit electron diffraction experiment work?

In the experiment, a beam of electrons is passed through a slit and then through two closely spaced slits. The electrons then pass through a second slit and hit a screen. Due to the wave-like nature of electrons, they interfere with each other and create an interference pattern on the screen.

3. What is the significance of the two slit electron diffraction experiment?

The two slit electron diffraction experiment is significant because it provides evidence for the wave-particle duality of electrons. It shows that electrons can behave as both particles and waves, depending on how they are observed.

4. What is the role of the observer in the two slit electron diffraction experiment?

In the two slit electron diffraction experiment, the observer plays a crucial role in determining the behavior of the electrons. The mere act of observing the electrons can collapse their wave function and cause them to behave as particles rather than waves.

5. How is the two slit electron diffraction experiment related to the uncertainty principle?

The two slit electron diffraction experiment is closely linked to the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics. It shows that the position and momentum of an electron cannot be known simultaneously with certainty, as the act of measuring one property affects the other.

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