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

  1. What does Schrödinger's cat illustrate? It illustrates the concept of quantum superposition, where a system can exist in multiple states until observed.
  2. Who proposed the Schrödinger's cat thought experiment? The thought experiment was proposed by physicist Erwin Schrödinger in 1935.
  3. What is quantum superposition? Quantum superposition is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics that states a particle can exist in multiple states at once.
  4. 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.