Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Eric A. Taylor on 02/10/2010 02:10:33

Title: What happens to particles that are never observed?
Post by: Eric A. Taylor on 02/10/2010 02:10:33

According to Quantum Theory a particle's wave function doesn't collapse to a point until it's observed. What about all the particles that are never observed by anything. (assuming that humans are not the only intelligent things around). Do the wave functions never collapse? What causes the wave function to collapse in the first place? How does the particle know it's being looked at?

Title: What happens to particles that are never observed?
Post by: Bored chemist on 02/10/2010 16:31:11

"What about all the particles that are never observed by anything. "
We don't know.
Since we don't know it can't matter (because if it mattered we would find out).

Title: What happens to particles that are never observed?
Post by: Soul Surfer on 03/10/2010 00:26:19

This is a common and serious error in the understanding of quantum theory.  By "observation"  it does not mean that nothing exists until a sentient being performs an experiment to prove its existence, it means that nothing us clear until any other particle interacts with it and confirms its state.  the act of observation can be performed by any other particle or object in the universe.