What is Schrödinger's Cat? Understanding the Most Famous Paradox in Physics
Discover Schrödinger's cat, the iconic paradox that illustrates quantum superposition in physics.
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The most famous paradox in physics is Schrödinger’s cat. This thought experiment, proposed by Erwin Schrödinger, illustrates the problem of quantum superposition. In this paradox, a cat inside a sealed box is simultaneously alive and dead, depending on an earlier random event, until the box is opened and observed. It underscores the complexities and ambiguities of quantum mechanics.
FAQs & Answers
- What does Schrödinger's cat illustrate? It illustrates the concept of quantum superposition, where a system can exist in multiple states until observed.
- Who proposed the Schrödinger's cat thought experiment? The thought experiment was proposed by physicist Erwin Schrödinger in 1935.
- What is quantum superposition? Quantum superposition is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics that states a particle can exist in multiple states at once.
- Why is Schrödinger's cat considered a paradox? It is considered a paradox because it highlights the strange implications of quantum mechanics and the quandary of observation affecting the state of a system.