Schrödinger's Cat

[Jambo]

I know this has been discussed a few times but I have to bring it up again.

What is it saying exactly? You do not know whether the cat is dead or alive until it has been observed? And the act of observing may affect the outcome so you never really know.

Is that close?

 

[Jambo]

You cannot observe without having an effect on that which you are observing.

*n

Is this backed by anything or is it specualtion?

 

[Jambo]

Does it mean both states 'definitely' exist or 'may' exist?

 

[Jambo]

You don't have to believe it if you don't want to, but it is observed scientific FACT afaik.

LOL! The irony!

Dolph, I think your links are a bit much for me. Is double slit and eraser to do with observation then?

 

[Jambo]

This video is pretty good:

http://www.whatthebleep.com/trailer/doubleslit.wm.low.html

The last part touches on quantum theory, and explains it in a nice easy way.

That's a great video. It's hard to believe that happens. I'd love to do that experiment for myself.

I've got What The Bleep Do We Know on DVD - it's quite interesting. Anyone else seen it? What do you make of the water crystals?

 

[Jambo]

We never suspected you were joking. Just surprised you finally admitted it.

I think she was joking and being serious simultaneously. Although I cannot be sure until I observe this but then again that would **** it right up.

 

[Jambo]

So a cat in a box is both alive and dead because you cannot prove eitherway whether it is alive or dead without opening the box to find out - which would theoretically interfere and render the experiment useless.

What if it miaows? Have you then observed the miaow?

 

[Jambo]

Did this dude really put cats into boxes and kill them ? :/

I don't think so. It's a 'thought' experiment.

He probably did though for fun.