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Schrödinger’s Cat Experiment for Dummies

Here’s the simplest explanation of Schödinger’s Cat Experiment: Schrödinger’s cat has a 50% chance of dying and 50% of living after an hour in an experimental box. While the cat is in the box, it is both dead and alive (Copenhagen Interpretation). You don’t know what you can’t observe. If you want to finally understand Schrödinger’s Cat Experiment once and for all, then you’re in the right place. Let’s jump right in! Schrödinger’s Cat Experiment Made Simple Nature Noon rarely dives into physics, let alone the bazaar world of quantum physics. However, some quantum concepts are certainly worth knowing about, extraordinarily fascinating and straightforward to grasp. Easily, among the most famous quantum experiments was Schrödinger’s cat. Without further ado, let’s dive into Schrödinger’s cat explained: WARNING: Don’t Attempt This Experiment Schrödinger’s cat experiment is what we call a thought experiment. In other words, we don’t actually conduct the experiment. We use only our imagination and reasoning instead. In fact, as we will later learn, it is truly impossible to physically conduct Schrödinger’s cat experiment, even if we wanted to. That being said, please under no circumstances attempt to conduct this experiment. This article is purely to educate one on the purpose of the experiment, not to perform it. Among Schrödinger’s prolific, Nobel-Prize-winning career was his infamous cat experiment. In fact, this benchmark experiment has been the subject of jokes, shirts, TV show episodes, and more. However, Schrödinger’s cat experiment has been both misinterpreted and misunderstood over time. Hence, this article’s simple approach helps us fully understand where brilliant Erwin was coming from. Schrödinger’s Cat Explained: The Experiment First, a cat is placed inside a sealed box for one hour. Also, inside the box are: A container of radioactive material A Geiger Counter (a simple machine that detects radioactive particles) A hammer A container of deadly cyanide Using the correct radioactive material allows a precisely 50/50 chance that a single radioactive particle will be emitted within one hour. If you are uncertain as to why radioactive material will do this … Radioactive Decay Refresher Radioactive materials contain extra energy and feel unstable. Therefore, to become stable once again, they release or emit some of this energy in particles. We call this radioactive decay. Next, our Geiger Counter will wait for a radioactive particle to be emitted. And, if it records a particle, it will let the hammer drop. As a result, the hammer breaks open the lethal cyanide container, killing the cat. At last, when you open the box, the cat will either be dead or alive, depending on the outcome. However, before opening the box, the cat is both dead and alive. In fact, this is the very purpose of Schrödinger’s cat experiment. But, how could that possibly be? Schrödinger’s Cat Explained: The Results Basically, nothing about the matter is certain until we observe it. In fact, this thought process is known as the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum physics. In other words, simply looking at matter actually changes the outcome of what happens to it. Weird, huh? Indeed, that is why we proclaimed previously in this article that one could not physically conduct this experiment, even if they so desired. You see, the primary focus of the experiment is that prior to observation, the cat is both dead and alive simultaneously. Therefore, visually observing or monitoring the cat during its hour-in-the-box time would alter and prevent an outcome. Trippy to think about, isn’t it? Realistically, yes, the matter could be at any place. But, the probability of the matter being at some places is much higher than in others. For instance, a carbon atom in your diamond ring could be on the Moon right now. However, it’s much more likely that the carbon atom is on your finger. You can’t know where something is unless you see it. Until you see it, the Copenhagen Interpretation says that the atom is there and is not there. Until you see the particle, you have no idea if it’s there or not. This makes sense in quantum physics, but not in real-world physics. Actually, this very style of thinking was the purpose of Schrödinger’s cat. You see, while Schrödinger found such possibilities true for single particles, they would not be possible on larger objects, like cats. In fact, Schrödinger created his famous cat thought experiment to show how absurd the Copenhagen Interpretation was for larger objects. What a character. Schrödinger’s Cat Explained: Conclusion Ok, we’ve just explained a lot. But, to sum up, let’s break it down into three easy bullet points: After one hour in the experimental box, Schrödinger’s cat stands at a 50% chance of being dead and a 50% chance of being alive. But, while the cat is in the box, it is both dead AND alive simultaneously (Copenhagen Interpretation). You don’t know what you can’t observe. Schrödinger’s cat experiment was hypothetically used to show Schrödinger’s disagreed with the Copenhagen Interpretation for larger objects, like a cat.

10 Steps Explanation of the Double Slit Experiment.

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Double Slit Experiment: 10 Steps Explanation

Here’s the 10 steps explanation of the Double Slit Experiment in simple terms: With the Double Slit Experiment, you’ll discover that light has both a wave and a particle nature, and these are inseparable. Rather than being just a wave or a particle, light has wave–particle duality. Quantum particles and other electrons are the same. So if you want to understand the Double Slit Experiment once and for all, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get right into it! The Double Slit Experiment Simply Explained in 10 Steps This article deviates from the world we know altogether, but it is too amazing not to share. We will look at one of science’s most fantastic and yet unexplained tests, the double-slit experiment. This experiment, involving the behavior of light, dips into science’s most bazaar and least understood fields, called quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics seeks to explain behaviors on the smallest, sub-particle levels. And, most of, if not all of our classical physics goes out the window at these levels. Even Albert Einstein playfully referred to early quantum results as “spooky action …” #1 The Basic Setup Various things or materials are shot directly at a barricade with two parallel slits cut out of it. The material will pass through the slits and project on the wall behind the barricade. Different results are achieved on the wall depending on the type of material that is fired at the barricade. Let’s look at some well-tested results: #2 Particles Particles, in this case, can be thought of as tiny pieces of matter, like small round pellets. Some will be reflected if we shoot these particles at the barricade, and some will pass through the slits. The matter passing through the slits will create a pattern of dot marks on the wall behind the barricade, like this: #3 Waves Waves behave much differently than particles. Waves are essentially ripples in some type of medium, like waves flowing through water, for instance. So, if a stream of water is used in the experiment, a single water wave will hit the barricade. Then, as some of the water waves pass through each slit, they are split into two separate waves. As the two waves travel beyond the barricade, they start to overlap, creating what is known as an interference wave, shown below. As the tops and bottoms of the two waves intersect, they leave a combination of lit-up and dark regions. And, when these light and dark regions hit the back wall, they create a pattern of multiple stripes, like this: #3 Electrons Now, let’s shoot electrons, which are microscopic particles of matter. We would expect that the electrons should yield results similar to the previously-tested particles mentioned above. At first, they pass through the slits, creating a band of dots on the wall. #4 Quantum Weirdness Kicks In But, after shooting the electrons for a while, something bazaar starts happening. Instead of two simple bands of dots behind the slits, several bands begin appearing. The electrons are forming the same pattern as the wave! Electrons are particles, so how could this be? The electrons even left dots behind the solid parts- and around the outside of the barricade, where they could not possibly land. This outcome perplexed physicists. Initially, they assumed that the individual electron particles must somehow bounce off each other, creating the wave-like pattern. So, they fired individual electrons at much slower rates to avoid any possible interference. Yet, nothing changed. Even single electrons still created a wave-like interference pattern. The electron is left as a particle. The slits caused it to split up and interfere with itself like a wave. Finally, it recombined with itself again to strike the back wall like a particle. #5 Observing the Electron Baffled by the unexpected results, physicists then set up a measuring device to closely observe which slit the electron passes through. The results left them even more shocked. When measuring the path taken, the electron went back to behaving like a particle and simply left single bands behind the slits. The interference pattern disappeared! Somehow, the act of observing the electron caused it to behave differently. It was as though the electron knew that it was being watched and changed its actions. What does this mean? Though the quantum world is still wildly misunderstood, there are general concepts that we can comprehend. #7 Wave-Particle Duality We now understand that elementary particles can exhibit behaviors of both a particle and wave-like entity most, if not all. This concept is known as wave-particle duality. Over time, this concept was discovered by brilliant physicists like Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Louis de Broglie, and others. We saw this wave-particle duality occur during the double-slit experiment. The electron left traveling as a particle, then split up to interfere with itself like a wave, then recombined again to hit the wall like a particle. #8 Probability Waves This is where things get odd and difficult to wrap your mind around. On this quantum scale, the electron is not traveling as a wave or a particle. It is simply traveling as a probability wave, a sort of cloud of different possibilities. In other words, it is no longer accurate to ask the question, “where is the electron?” Instead, you would ask, “at any particular spot, how likely is it that the electron could be there?” No doubt, this is strange, and it seems extremely vague. Yet, Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger developed a calculation to predict where the electrons will land, aptly titled Schrödinger’s Equation. Speaking of Schrödinger, his notorious Schröderinger’s Cat Experiment is explained here, but in simple terms. Essentially, we could never accurately predict where a single electron will hit the wall. But, using Schrödinger’s Equation, we could find the electron’s probability wave. And, finding this wave would allow us to quite accurately predict the probabilities of where electrons will hit the wall. This still sounds remarkably strange and subjective. However, the truth is that these predictions have been tested time and time again, showing terrifically accurate results. #9 Additional Quantum Weirdness …

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Astronomy vs. Astrology: What Is the Difference?

Here’s the differences between astronomy and astrology: Astronomy is all about the scientific study of the motion of celestial bodies and heavy objects like. Astronomy uses the laws of physics and chemistry. Astrology is all about how the movement of celestial bodies, stars, and planets influences the lives of human beings. If you want to learn all about the differences between astronomy and astrology, then you’re in the right place. Let’s get started! What Is the Difference Between Astronomy and Astrology? First, the difference between Astronomy and Astrology in a nutshell: Astronomy is all about the scientific study of the motion of celestial bodies and heavy objects like: Stars Planets Asteroids Other activities happening in outer space Astronomy uses the laws of physics and chemistry to explain: The nature of the universe. To study how everything in the universe started. How it has evolved over time and into the future. Astrology is all about how the movement of celestial bodies, stars, and planets influences the lives of human beings. Here’s everything you need to know: What Is the Origin of Astronomy? You may have heard that astronomy is the oldest of all sciences. That is because the sky has been our main focus since we began to think. Humans have been looking up at the stars and asking questions about what these shinning dots might be. As our thoughts evolved, we started to find ways we could learn about those shinning objects. We started giving them universal meaning. Those stars became sacred things. How Did Patterns Become Recognizable Shapes? Today, when we look up at the stars, we imagine the stars are arranged in groups and make shapes that we already know. Well, that is what our brain does, anyway, sensing light and guessing what it can be. As a result, it often finds what we already have saved in our brain memory. I am talking about random points, which our brain then combines and makes different shapes. When ancient people looked at the stars and their brains showed them shapes, such as a: Lion Crab Ram Then, they named those groups of stars: Leo for the lion shape Cancer for the crab shape Aries for the ran shape Today, we use the same names and groups our ancestors made. We call these groups of stars constellations. This began the age of astrology. What Is the Definition of Astrology? Astrology is a belief that the motions of stars, planets, and moons affect personality, environment, and mood of every human on Earth. It only depends on which month you were born. For example, suppose you were born on February 1. In that case, you are related to a particular group of stars whose motion will affect you. What Are the Roots of Astrology? The roots of astrology began with the earliest civilizations. It first began in Babylon, some three thousand years ago. Maps of the stars existed before there were maps of the Earth. Archaeologists have found these marked with lunar phases: Cave paintings Mammoth tusks Animals or human bones In this system, twelve constellations were described. We call them Zodiac constellations. These constellations represented: Animals Objects Mythological heroes The number of constellations came from the moon’s cycles, which completes almost 12 cycles in a year. With every new moon, the sun appears against a different constellation. Over the course of the year, the sun appears to pass through these twelve constellations. Although we cannot see directly which constellation the sun is in, we can find it indirectly at night by seeing what constellation is in opposition to the sun. What Is Astrology’s Math Theory Used to Find the Zodiac Constellations? By doing some mathematics, we can see that astrology suggests that each constellation should take up about 30° in the sky. Multiply the twelve constellations by 30, and we have 360°. However, just because we played a little with mathematics, we can see that in reality this is not the case. Each constellation varies in size and shape, so they don’t occupy the same amount of space (30°) in the sky. What Is Precession? We all know that the Earth rotates. But there is another type of motion, too, and that is called precession. I won’t make this complex by trying to explain it. But, I will give you a hint: The early wobbles like a top based upon the moon’s and the sun’s gravity. Every 72 years, there is approximately a one-degree shift in the Earth’s axis. So as time goes on, our descendants won’t see the same zodiac constellations we see today. Our astrology calendars are based on the observations of ancient people, and we can see the shift. For example, in ancient times, the first day of spring was in Aries, but it is now moved to Pisces due to precession. So, if you were born at the start of spring, your zodiac sign would be Pisces, but after 700 years, the person who will be born on the same day as you will not have the same zodiac sign. So how do astrologers explain this error? Well, there is no way they can explain away this error because astrology is a belief and you have to believe what astrologers say. Astrology is not a science. Do Have Astrology and Astronomy Similar Origins? For centuries, astrology and astronomy were the same because human beings were at the mercy of nature. They looked at their world with fear, awe, and even superstitions. They looked to the stars for answers. Examples: If Mars is in its retrograde motion, then people with a related horoscope are going to have a tough time. A person should wait for a new moon to launch a new product or start some kind of business because a new moon brings a fresh start. A person should wait for a new moon to start a business if he or she is uncertain about the possibility of success. Reading these examples, you might think it’s a bit crazy …

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Astrophysics vs. Astronomy vs. Cosmology?

Here’s difference between astrophysics, astronomy, and cosmology: Astrophysics is a science that uses the laws of physics, chemistry, and math to explain how the universe works. Astronomy is the study of things in outer space, like galaxies, planets, and stars. Cosmologists study the entire universe, from its violent beginnings to what’s happening right now to its eventual demise. If you want to learn all about about the differences between astrophysics, astronomy, and cosmology, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dig right in! What Is the Difference Between Astrophysics, Astronomy, and Cosmology? Nature has always been a really wonderful place for creating a sense of awe and wonder. We humans, from the beginning, have been curious about how nature works. We wanted to find answers to explain why things work the way they do. Since humans have always looked to the stars for answers, we also questioned why it was there and how it functions: Is it one universe? Or, is it multi-universes (multiverses), with other worlds yet to be discovered? It is astrophysicists who have the know-how through theories and scientific laws to explore our fascinating universe, or maybe multiverses. In short: Astrophysics is a science that uses the laws of physics, chemistry, and math to explain how the universe works. Astrology is the study of things in outer space, like galaxies, planets, and stars. Cosmologists study the entire universe, from its violent beginnings to what’s happening right now to its eventual demise. What Is Astrophysics? Astrophysics is the science that uses the laws of physics and chemistry along with the tool of mathematics to explain how the universe works. There is a quote that “god created this universe in the most beautiful language of mathematics.” While we can interpret that universe through our five senses, sometimes we run into questions that cannot be answered that way. We need additional help prob more deeply, and it is that language of mathematics that allows us to do it. For example, there is something called a point singularity. Something is there. It actually exists. Yet, it has no dimension because it is so incredibly dense with matter. It is at this “singularity” where every law we know breaks down because there is so much energy there that everything gets pulled to it. Without math, we could not even begin to understand it. Energy Explained by Matter and Antimatter Energy is always conservative in this universe. That was made clear by the equation E=mc^2, which explains that all energy can be converted into matter. And, by that same token, all matter can also be converted into energy, i.e., photons. Let’s look at an example of how matter works: At the beginning of the universe, there was an immense amount of energy in the form of light. The temperature of the universe was also much hotter then than it is now. That energy, in the form of light, was used to create particles. However, whenever a photon was converted into matter, it produced two particles: One was matter, and the other was antimatter, which is the mirror image of matter. Here’s another example: Let’s say if an electron particle is produced, then its antiparticle, i.e., positron, will also be created at the same time. It will behave exactly like the electron, but it will have an opposite charge. Whenever these particles come close, they can annihilate each other. All that will be left are small packets of energy, and the process will keep going until the universe starts to cool down. But, the next question becomes: If at the beginning of the universe, every matter and antimatter annihilated each other, how can we exist today? Yes, it’s a mystery that somehow with billions and trillions of particles, one matter particle remained, which had no antiparticle. It is that one particle that led to the universe we see—all the galaxies, stars, planets, and everything else. Because there might also be one loose antiparticle, we have theories that say there may be anti-planets, anti-galaxies, anti-stars, and even anti-universe or multiverses out there somewhere beyond our universe. What Is the Chemistry of the Sun? Astrophysics also explains the chemistry of the Sun, including the unique aspects of how the Sun behaves. Here are some examples: Annihilation of particles in the core of this huge star. The Sun’s bond with other planets. How sunspots, which are actually cold spots on the Sun, can exist on something so incredibly hot. It explains nebulae and neutron stars. The rotations of galaxies and planets according to their mass and a way to calculate the orbital motion. The fundamental building blocks of the universe. Sibling Sciences of Astrophysics Astrophysics also has two sibling sciences: Astronomy Cosmology Let’s start with astronomy. What Is Astronomy? Astronomy is the study of things found in outer space, including our universe, such as: Galaxies Planets Stars Asteroids Comets Nebulae Different phenomenons occurring in outer space Mankind has looked up at the sky since the start of civilization, searching to find meaning, order, and understanding to the universe in which we live. Astronomy is the branch of science that focuses on the celestial bodies found in outer space. It originated with early astronomers studying the night sky to find answers. Here are some examples of what they did: Noticed patterns in the sky and attempted to organize them in some way to track and predict their motions. Thus, they created constellations from these patterns, which helped people predict the motions of the heavenly bodies and predict the changes in the seasons. Galileo Galilei made major improvements to the telescope that allowed for closer observations of the planets. He made many important discoveries, including: 4 major satellites of Jupiter, known as Galileo moons. Spots on the Sun, which we now call sunspots Johannes Kepler was a famous astronomer and mathematician who: Explained planetary laws of motion. Described how planets orbit around the Sun. Isaac Newton came along and explained the physics behind the solar system using the laws of celestial dynamics and …