Schrödinger's Cat
by Mia B
1. Double-slit experiment
2. Question
2.1. When does quantum superposition end and reality collapse into one possibility or the other?
3. Erwin Schrödinger
3.1. Austrian Physicist
3.2. 1887 - 1961
3.3. Field: Quantum Theory
3.4. Formulated the wave equation
3.5. Developed the formalism and matrix mechanics
3.6. Criticized the conventional Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics
3.7. Coined the term Verschränkung (entanglement)
4. The Experiment
4.1. General facts
4.1.1. Thought experiment / Paradox
4.1.1.1. He didn't actually kill a cat!
4.1.2. Devised in 1935
4.2. Motivation
4.2.1. Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics
4.2.1.1. Problem when applied to everyday objects
4.2.1.2. Contradiction with common sense
4.3. Set up
4.3.1. A cat, a flask of poison, and a radioactive source
4.3.1.1. Placed in a sealed box
4.3.2. Random event
4.3.2.1. If radioactivity is detected > poison is released
4.3.2.2. Cat can be BOTH alive and dead
4.3.3. Look inside the box
4.3.3.1. Cat is either alive OR dead