'Probability collapses' is a phrase often used in Quantum mechanics. Though I know nothing much about quantum mechanics, I have been trying for quite some time to understand it on my own (its a bit too much I know)...
In simple terms, it means that whenever an observation is made, from measuring the spin of an electron to see if the cat is dead or alive in Schroedingers thought experiment (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schr%C3%B6dinger's_cat), there are underlying probabilities that govern the outcome of the experiment or an observation.
When we use the pendulum to measure 'g' (credit to Priya :)) or we try to prove that the angle of incidence is equal to angle of reflection in a simple light experiment, there are an infinite results possible. However, depending on the measuring parameters, certain answers take precedence and 'probability collapses' to the one we measure and is consistent through the number of experiments you conduct.
I was pretty much astonished by this fact and gave me a jolt when I was reading this book 'Quantum Electro Dynamics (QED)' by none other than Richard Feynman . It was an absorbing master piece and gave unleveled insights into understanding of the basic laws of nature..
So thats the reason behind the name
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2 comments:
Dunno nothing about quantum physics but enjoyed reading this article.
quantum mechanics..i seee.
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