Chapter 15 - Physical Science 100

Trying to Fool Mother Nature• What hole does the electron go through?– there is a probability of either• What if I detect the electrons going throughthe holes?– They will go through one hole or the other– The interference pattern goes away; I get aparticle patternQuestions &Answers (?)ObservationPointQ. What is seen at the observation point with both holes open?A. No electrons!Q. If I close one hole?A. Suddenly, electrons!Q. Where are they coming from?A. The open hole!Q. If I open the second hole?A. There are no electrons any more?Q. How can it be like that??No one knows!Probability CurveWhen we look at the electron ...it acts like a particle–When we’re not looking, like a wave.How do we “look”? Must use a detector or probe whichinteracts with the electron.e.g. light… but a photon is like a bomb to an electron!- like trying to see the trajectory of a baseball by hitting itwith grenadesMaking the measurement affects the result!3