Table of Contents
How does an observer collapse a wave function?
In quantum mechanics, wave function collapse occurs when a wave function—initially in a superposition of several eigenstates—reduces to a single eigenstate due to interaction with the external world. Collapse is a black box for a thermodynamically irreversible interaction with a classical environment.
Why does observation change the outcome?
In physics, the observer effect is the disturbance of an observed system by the act of observation. This is often the result of instruments that, by necessity, alter the state of what they measure in some manner. While the effects of observation are often negligible, the object still experiences a change.
What is the measurement problem and why the wave function collapses?
In quantum mechanics, the measurement problem considers how, or whether, wave function collapse occurs. The inability to observe such a collapse directly has given rise to different interpretations of quantum mechanics and poses a key set of questions that each interpretation must answer.
Why do controlled observations increase validity?
Increases validity as participants aren’t aware of being observed, they are more likely to act naturally. Less demand characteristics as the participant isn’t aware of the researcher, there would be less chance of them changing their behaviour to fit in with the researchers expectations.
Can you learn just by observing?
Observation is one of the best ways of learning. Not only will observation enable you to see exactly how something is done, but you’ll be able to learn the technique of the person doing it. However, learning through observation may be harder than you think.
What does the collapsed mean?
1 : to break down completely : fall in He escaped from the mine before it collapsed. 2 : to completely relax I collapsed onto the sofa. 3 : to suffer a physical or mental breakdown She collapsed from exhaustion. 4 : to fail or stop working suddenly The ancient civilization collapsed.
How does the observer perceive the collapse of a wave-particle system?
Instead what the observer perceives as the collapse is just the event of entanglement of the observer with the observed system. On Young’s double-slit experiment the wave-particle duality (one by one photon) is more a problem of “picture of the model” than a philosophic one: see Y. Couder interpretation, by your self (!),
What is the collapse of wave function in Bohm theory?
In Bohm interpretation the collapse of the wave function happens when the observer introduces into the measured system some perturbation, which is inevitable when performing the measurement. The difference between the measurement and any other interaction is in that the perturbation introduced by measurement is unknown beforehand.
What triggers the collapse of a wave function?
In Copenhagen/von Neuman interpretations the collapse of the wave function is triggered by the observer. This person has the special property which no other object in universe is capable of.
What triggers the collapse of an object in universe?
This person has the special property which no other object in universe is capable of. In Copenhagen interpretation the collapse can be triggered by any system which is connected to the observer, including the measurement apparatus and external medium (if the observer is not isolated from it).