The spellbinding subject of quantum mechanics hoards trillions of mysteries of science. From the Big Bang Theory phenomenon to the famous Theory of Relativity, Quantum physics is the part of physics that describes the smallest things in our universe: molecules, atoms, subatomic particles like protons, and electrons. Quantum mechanics is a diverse subject, ranging from complex quantum entanglement experiments to a simpler double-slit experiment.
Quantum Physics is a complex field of study, can only be understood with the help of fundamental terms. So, do you know what subatomic particles are? The particles that are smaller than an atom are called subatomic particles. They are mainly of two types; composite particles (formed when more than one elementary particle binds together) or elementary particles (not formed with multiple other particles). The composite particle comprises neutrons and protons whereas the elementary or fundamental particle comprises photons and electrons. Photon is the tiniest particle of light which when combined forms a ray of light i.e. waves of electromagnetic radiation.
Let’s look at an experiment that includes a fundamental particle, a photon, to conduct one of the most famous experiments of physics, the double-slit experiment. The foundational theory behind this experiment is the Wave-particle Duality paradox. Wave-particle duality states that particles exhibit a wave nature and vice versa.
With regards to this theory, we know that each particle can have two quantum identities; either a wave or a particle. The waves can only be seen in a hidden quantum realm, while the particles can be visible when the waves collapse to form a particle. This process is demarcated by a measurement gap. Therefore, we can state that a measurement collapses the wave function. The measurement gap also proves to be a gap in our knowledge because the physics behind how the wave collapses is unknown. Though this duality paradox proves to be useful in the field of physics, it fails to prove sufficient in the mathematical interpretations of quantum physics.
Due to this insufficiency, well-known Physicist Neils Bohr also stated that the ‘Duality Paradox’ remains a metaphysical fact.
So, now that we are relative to the reason behind these theories, let’s look at an experiment of physics that stands upon these fundamental bricks, The Double Slit Experiment. While performing a double-slit experiment, a photon is passed through a screen containing two slits. When being monitored, the photon seems to pass through one of the slits present and forms a pattern on the screen.
In contrast, when a photon is passed through the slit without being looked upon, the photon diffracts, thereby forming two distinct pieces, which then interfere in the form of waves to create a pattern on the screen. This pattern is called an interference pattern. This is an example of how the Wave-particle duality paradox works. This bizarre phenomenon can leave anyone discombobulated. We can conclude that the light or photon changes its behavior like it knows whether it’s being observed or not.
But how does the photon know when it’s being spied upon? This question remains as another unknown mystery of science. Waiting to be solved, wanting to be read.