He also showed that the particle falls into one of its possible states only when it is measured, eg looked at. Heisenberg proved that this was true and not a contradiction 1. In fact, it can be in many states at the same time. For example, it can be in two locations, or in the same location but can be spinning in opposite directions at the same time. This happens because sub-atomic particles can be in two 'states' at once. In other words an approximation to its position. This is related to Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, which says that the position of any sub-atomic particle cannot be measured precisely, the best one can get is a probability wave function of its position. This happens because the isotope decay/non-decay creates a quantum probability wave. So until the box is opened and you look at a bemused Fluffy or the start of an awkward conversation with the wife, you can't tell what you'll find. Since the quantum superposition of the isotope says that it is both decayed and not decayed until we look at it, and the box prevents us from knowing whether the isotope has decayed until we open it, it's impossible to know the fate of the cat. The cat is put in the box for one hour, then the box is opened. If it does, the Geiger counter will go off, the hammer will smash the glass and the cyanide gas will kill the cat. ![]() The isotope has a 50/50 chance of decaying during the course of one hour. Alongside the cat is a vial with a radioactive isotope and a Geiger counter linked via a complex device to a hammer over a vial of cyanide gas. Placing the cat one light-hour away would perform the same function. The box is a method of separating the cat from the observers. It should be pointed out that this is not a cardboard box, or a lead box. The domains of quantum mechanics and classical physics.Ī cat is placed in a box. Schrödinger's thought experiment is effectively a domain issue. Schrödinger showed that they were indeed subject to the same rules laid out by Heisenberg in his uncertainty principle and were also subject to superposition. What Schrödinger was showing was that while every physicist accepted that sub-atomic particles, like electrons, could be in more than one place at the same time (called superposition), no one believed that this could be extended to large things. In other words, the quantum effects that are thought to affect only small atomic particles, also affect much larger and more complex structures, such as human beings and cats. The guiding principle of the Schrödinger's theory is that the two realms of physics quantum mechanics and classical physics, do not have an easily definable separating border. He was accused of being a cat-hater all his life, which is sad because in his own words he 'didn't really care either way'. He shared a Nobel Prize in 1933 for new formulations of the atomic theory. ![]() Everything / Maths, Science & Technology / PhysicsĮrwin Schrödinger (1887 - 1961) was an Austrian physicist. ![]() The Guide to Life, The Universe and Everything.ģ.
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