What is Schrödinger's cat?
Q: What is Schrödinger's cat?
A: Schrödinger's cat is a thought experiment about quantum physics, proposed by Erwin Schrödinger in 1935 in reaction to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum physics. It involves a hypothetical scenario where a cat is placed in a steel chamber with a device that contains radioactive material and could potentially kill the cat. The question posed by the experiment is whether or not the cat will be alive or dead when the box is opened.
Q: What does the Copenhagen interpretation say about particles?
A: The Copenhagen interpretation states that it is impossible to know for certain what state a particle will be in until it has been observed, so before observation it can be said to exist in both states at once.
Q: How did Schrödinger demonstrate this concept?
A: Schrödinger demonstrated this concept through his thought experiment involving a cat being placed inside of a sealed box with radioactive material. He suggested that until the box was opened, one would not know if the cat was dead or alive, so that until then, it would exist in both states at once.
Q: What are two types of physics mentioned in this text?
A: Two types of physics mentioned in this text are classic physics and quantum mechanics. Classic physics explains most physical interactions and can predict physical interactions while quantum mechanics provides an explanation for some physical interactions which classic physics cannot explain.
Q: How does observing something influence an experiment?
A: Observing something can influence an experiment because when observing an experiment, one may interfere with its results due to their presence and actions during observation. This means that any results obtained from such an experiment may not necessarily reflect reality accurately as they have been influenced by outside factors.
Q: What does "psi-function" refer to?
A: Psi-function refers to mathematical equations used to describe how likely something is to happen within quantum mechanics without actually looking at it (observing it).
