"The double-slit experiment is the heart of quantum mechanics," as physicist Richard Feynman famously stated. This experiment continues to intrigue scientists, revealing the bizarre nature of quantum reality.
In the double-slit experiment, particles like electrons are fired at a wall with two slits. Classically, one would expect to see two bands on a detector screen behind the wall. However, an interference pattern emerges, suggesting the electrons behave like waves.
Remarkably, even a single electron exhibits this wave-like behavior, passing through both slits simultaneously and interfering with itself. This challenges our classical understanding of reality, where particles have definite paths.
The act of observation fundamentally alters the outcome. When a detector is placed to determine which slit the electron passes through, the interference pattern disappears. This suggests that the electron's behavior is influenced by whether or not it is being observed.
Niels Bohr, a pioneer of quantum mechanics, cautioned against seeking definitive answers about the nature of reality. Instead, he urged physicists to focus on describing how particles behave in specific experimental setups. The double-slit experiment remains a cornerstone in the ongoing quest to understand the fundamental nature of the universe.