Quantum Computing homepage delve into the strange world of quantum mechanics homepage discover the real evolution in computing downloads and more
   

Double slit experiment

The infamous double slit experiment is the grandfather of quantum mechanics. It formed the main cornerstone of the exploration of quantum mechanics. Scientists were baffled and it caused them to forever step into the mysterious and strange world of quantum physics. After the findings in the double slit experiment, a huge debate began, the question being: Is matter made up of particles or is it waves? That is the fundamental question and the basis of quantum mechanics.

The experiment

Curious about what mysteriously happened in this experiment that baffled scientists? Ponder no more. The experiment is explained to you below, in easy-to-follow terms.

Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | The twist |

Step 1

The first step in the double slit experiment was to fire balls of matter such as marbles or paintballs through two slits. What do you think happened? As expected it formed two bands on the screen behind the slits (see Screen 1).


Screen 1 (click photo to enlarge)

Parts |1|2|3|

Go to next section

back to top

Quantum Mechanics Menu

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
Explore the mysteries of quantum mechanics...
Follow the infamous double slit experiment
The phenomenon of superposition
The phenomenon of entanglement
Find out about all the facets where quantum mechanics can be applied to

tools for info on page

Printer friendly version of information on this page

Save a pdf file to your PC

Rees Quote

Sources:

Quantum physics bender-

http://www.librarytechtonics.info/

Photos coutesy: http://www.youtube.com/

About us Meet the ThinkQuest team Read the team's journal Get help on using the website Have any questions? Contact us now! Sources consulted (great for more information!) See an oveview of the whole website (jump to any section quickly)