Schrodinger's Cat, Structures and the Observer Effect

In summary, Schrodinger's cat is a well-known concept in theoretical physics, while the observer effect is a phenomenon in classical and quantum physics. The observer effect does not have any connection to the way strain and stress are measured, but rather relates to the idea that interaction with a system is necessary in order to measure it. In quantum mechanics, the concept of the observer effect is more complex.
  • #1
marellasunny
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I am not a theoretical physicist but I have heard of Schrodinger's cat. It is a fact that stresses and strains measured along a structure are directional i.e the stresses and strains vary according to the direction you orient your strain gauge in. Does this have any connection with the 'observer effect' I read so often in blogs.Has there been any relation established between such a macro and micro system? i.e where the observer is considered part of the system.
 
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  • #2


No, the observer effect has no relation to the way you measure strain and stress. The observer effect, in classical physics, simply means that you must interact and change a system a small amount if you want to measure something. In Quantum Mechanics the idea is much more complicated.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Observer_effect_(physics)
 

Related to Schrodinger's Cat, Structures and the Observer Effect

1. What is Schrodinger's Cat thought experiment?

Schrodinger's Cat is a famous thought experiment proposed by Austrian physicist Erwin Schrodinger in 1935. It involves a hypothetical scenario where a cat is placed in a sealed box with a radioactive substance. According to quantum mechanics, the cat will be both alive and dead until someone observes it, which is known as superposition. This experiment was used to highlight the paradoxical nature of quantum mechanics.

2. How does Schrodinger's Cat relate to the concept of structures in science?

Schrodinger's Cat is often used to explain the concept of structures in science. In this thought experiment, the cat's state (alive or dead) is dependent on the state of an external system (radioactive substance). This mirrors the idea that structures in science are interconnected and influenced by various factors, rather than existing in isolation.

3. What is the Observer Effect?

The Observer Effect is the phenomenon where the act of observing something can influence its behavior or properties. In the case of Schrodinger's Cat, the act of observing the cat determines its state. This effect is also observed in other areas of science, such as in quantum mechanics and social sciences.

4. Can Schrodinger's Cat thought experiment be applied in real life?

No, Schrodinger's Cat is a thought experiment and cannot be applied in real life. It was designed to highlight the paradoxical nature of quantum mechanics and is not meant to be taken literally. However, similar concepts and principles can be applied in real-life situations and experiments.

5. What are the implications of Schrodinger's Cat and the Observer Effect in science?

Schrodinger's Cat and the Observer Effect have significant implications in science, particularly in the field of quantum mechanics. They challenge our understanding of reality and the role of the observer in shaping it. These concepts also highlight the interconnectedness of systems and the need for careful observation and consideration of the observer's influence in scientific experiments.

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