Generally speaking, why is the wave nature of matter so counterintuitive?

Short Answer

Expert verified

Because the common dimensions of the world we live in dwarf the wavelength of an electron. Its particle nature is unknown to us; hence a wave nature is unexpected.

Step by step solution

01

The double slit experiment

The double slit experiment is a well-known physics demonstration. It illustrates, with unequalled weirdness, that small atoms and molecules have a wave-like quality to them, and it implies that simply viewing a particle has a huge influence on its functioning.

02

Explanation

Because the wavelength of typical particles is significantly less than the wavelength of an electron, it is highly challenging to witness the wave character of particles in daily life. This is based on the de-Broglie identity which states that λ=hp,where p=mvclassically, because the value of h is so tiny, a small number in the denominator is required to get a wavelength that can be measured.

So, for tiny particles like electrons, a wave-nature will predominate; otherwise, it won't be apparent, and we question their wave-nature.In conclusion, since our perceptions are tied to the dimensions we inhabit—which are substantially larger than those of electrons—we could also anticipate that our conduct will differ.The similar issue emerges with relativity, whose conclusions of time dilation and length contraction are illogical given that we don't often move at or even close to the speed of light.If we had the ability to exist in smaller dimensions or much quicker frames, perhaps all of these occurrences and others would make more sense.

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