A classical interpretation of the wave function collapse

Quantum mechanics assumes that a particle is in a superposition of several states or positions based on the mathematical properties of Schrödinger’s wave equation before an observation is made.  It also assumes that when it is observed it collapses resulting the particle it represents having a single or unique position. When the Copenhagen interpretation was … Read more

Thomson’s double slit experiment in four spatial dimensions

Richard Feynman the farther of Quantum Electrodynamics believed Thomson’s double slit experiment provided a mechanism for understanding the wave particle duality of energy/mass because it clearly demonstrates their inseparability. The wave–particle duality postulates that all particles exhibit both wave and particle properties. A central concept of quantum mechanics, this duality addresses the inability of classical … Read more

Instrumentalism or realism how should we decide?

In the philosophy of science instrumentalism and realism define what constitutes an acceptable theory. Instrumentalists claim that scientific theories are merely useful tools for predicting phenomena instead of true or approximately true descriptions of the physical world while realists hold the view that they should be. As Richard DeWitt points out in his book “Worldviews: … Read more

A Classical Quantum environment

Many scientists assume that we must define the “realty” or non-reality of our classical world based on the concepts defined by quantum mechanics.  For example the Copenhagen interpretation tells us that a particle is spread out as a wave over the entire universe and only appears in a specific place when a conscience observer looks … Read more

The "reality" behind wave—particle duality

Is it possible to define the “reality” behind the quantum world in terms of the classical laws of physics. For example the paradoxical wave–particle behavior of energy/mass, one of the fundamental concepts defining Quantum mechanics defies the “reality” of a classical world because of its inability to describe/define how quantum-scale objects can simultaneously exist as … Read more