In this setup, a coherent light source or particles, like electrons, is directed towards a barrier with two closely spaced slits. The resulting pattern on a screen behind the slits is unexpected: an interference pattern, akin to waves. This implies that particles, even solitary electrons, exhibit wave-like behavior. When unobserved, they pass through both slits, interfering constructively or destructively, creating the pattern.
However, the experiment takes a puzzling turn when observation is introduced. If an attempt is made to determine which slit the particle passes through, the interference pattern vanishes, and the particles behave as discrete entities. The act of measurement collapses the wavefunction, forcing particles to manifest as particles.
This phenomenon emphasizes the role of observation in quantum mechanics and raises philosophical questions about the nature of reality. It underscores the elusive nature of particles and the challenges in defining their state accurately.
The double-slit experiment's implications extend to quantum superposition and the fundamental role of consciousness in determining a particle's behavior. Despite its simplicity, this experiment remains a profound illustration of the peculiarities of quantum physics and has inspired ongoing exploration into the foundations of the quantum world.
