This article by Philip Ball discusses the common misconception about quantum particles being shape-shifters and advocates thinking in terms of probability distributions rather than waves and particles.
It explains that particles do not actually morph between waves and particles; rather, the probability distribution of observing a particle in a certain location can be described using wave-like equations such as the Schrödinger equation. The author emphasizes that wave-particle duality is a flawed classical analogy for the quantum world, and that quantum entities are only observed as particles in any given experimental run. The latest findings by Joris Verstraten and his team, which involve trapping and observing ultracold lithium atoms, support this interpretation by showing that the wavelike behavior is reconstructed from many particle-like observations.
It explains that particles do not actually morph between waves and particles; rather, the probability distribution of observing a particle in a certain location can be described using wave-like equations such as the Schrödinger equation. The author emphasizes that wave-particle duality is a flawed classical analogy for the quantum world, and that quantum entities are only observed as particles in any given experimental run. The latest findings by Joris Verstraten and his team, which involve trapping and observing ultracold lithium atoms, support this interpretation by showing that the wavelike behavior is reconstructed from many particle-like observations.
