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Why is the probability of detection in the double slit experiment not equal to the sum of the probabilities for each slit individually?

by EITCA Academy / Sunday, 06 August 2023 / Published in Quantum Information, EITC/QI/QIF Quantum Information Fundamentals, Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, Double slit experiment with waves and bullets, Examination review

The double slit experiment is a fundamental experiment in quantum mechanics that demonstrates the wave-particle duality of matter and the probabilistic nature of quantum systems. In this experiment, a beam of particles, such as electrons or photons, is directed towards a barrier with two narrow slits. The particles pass through the slits and create an interference pattern on a screen placed behind the barrier. The question at hand is why the probability of detection in the double slit experiment is not equal to the sum of the probabilities for each slit individually.

To understand this, we need to consider the principles of quantum mechanics. In quantum mechanics, particles are described by wavefunctions, which are mathematical functions that contain information about the particle's properties, such as its position and momentum. The wavefunction of a particle passing through the double slits can be thought of as a superposition of two waves, each corresponding to a different possible path through the slits.

When the two waves from the slits overlap, they interfere with each other, leading to the formation of an interference pattern on the screen. This interference pattern arises due to the constructive and destructive interference of the waves, resulting in regions of high and low probability of detecting the particle.

Now, let's consider the probabilities associated with each individual slit. If we close one of the slits and send particles through the remaining open slit, we would observe a pattern on the screen that corresponds to the single-slit diffraction. This pattern is different from the interference pattern observed in the double slit experiment. The probability distribution for the single-slit diffraction can be calculated using classical wave theory, such as the Huygens-Fresnel principle.

When both slits are open, the wavefunctions from each slit interfere with each other, leading to a different probability distribution compared to the case of a single slit. The interference pattern arises because the wavefunctions add up and interfere constructively or destructively at different points on the screen. This results in regions of high and low probability of detecting the particles.

The key point here is that the interference pattern is not simply the sum of the probabilities associated with each individual slit. The interference pattern arises due to the complex interactions between the two wavefunctions. It is the interference between these wavefunctions that gives rise to the distinct pattern observed in the double slit experiment.

To illustrate this, let's consider an example. Suppose we have a double slit experiment with two slits labeled A and B. If we send particles through slit A, the probability distribution on the screen would be centered around a certain region. Similarly, if we send particles through slit B, we would observe another probability distribution centered around a different region. However, when both slits are open, the interference between the wavefunctions from A and B leads to the formation of an interference pattern that is distinct from the individual patterns associated with each slit.

The probability of detection in the double slit experiment is not equal to the sum of the probabilities for each slit individually because the interference pattern arises due to the complex interactions between the wavefunctions from each slit. The interference between these wavefunctions leads to regions of high and low probability of detecting the particles, resulting in the characteristic interference pattern observed in the double slit experiment.

Other recent questions and answers regarding Double slit experiment with waves and bullets:

  • The normalization of the quantum state condition corresponds to adding up the probabilities (squares of modules of quantum superposition amplitudes) to 1?
  • Is it possible to observe interference patterns from a single electron?
  • Can the interference pattern in the double slit experiment be observed when one detects by which slit the electron has passed through?
  • What challenges arise when interpreting the positive and negative probability amplitudes in the double slit experiment with particles?
  • Explain the concept of constructive and destructive interference in the context of the double slit experiment.
  • How does the interference pattern observed in the double slit experiment with water waves differ from the interference pattern observed with electrons and photons?
  • What is the main difference between the behavior of bullets and waves in the double slit experiment?

More questions and answers:

  • Field: Quantum Information
  • Programme: EITC/QI/QIF Quantum Information Fundamentals (go to the certification programme)
  • Lesson: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics (go to related lesson)
  • Topic: Double slit experiment with waves and bullets (go to related topic)
  • Examination review
Tagged under: Double-Slit Experiment, Probability Distribution, Quantum Information, Quantum Interference, Quantum Mechanics, Wave-Particle Duality
Home » Quantum Information » EITC/QI/QIF Quantum Information Fundamentals » Introduction to Quantum Mechanics » Double slit experiment with waves and bullets » Examination review » » Why is the probability of detection in the double slit experiment not equal to the sum of the probabilities for each slit individually?

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