The Bohr and Einstein Debate:-Copenhagen Interpretation Challenged

Rochelle Forrester

doi:10.2139/ssrn.3221514

Abstract

The Bohr Einstein debate on the meaning of quantum physics involved Einstein inventing a series of thought experiments to challenge the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum physics. Einstein disliked many aspects of the Copenhagen Interpretation especially its idea of an observer dependent universe. Bohr was able to answer all Einstein’s objections to the Copenhagen Interpretation and so is usually considered as winning the debate. However the debate has continued into the present time as many scientists have been unable to accept the idea of an observer dependent universe and many alternatives to the Copenhagen Interpretation have been proposed. However none of the alternatives has won general acceptance because all have problems that make them implausible or impossible.

Highlights

Second ScreenEinstein’s modification of the double slit experiment is that the screen containing the two slits should rest on rollers and be able to move
The Bohr Einstein debate on the meaning of quantum physics involved Einstein inventing a series of thought experiments to challenge the Copenhagen Interpretation of quantum physics
The best way to understand quantum theory is in comparison with the classical theory of physics derived from Newtonian laws of motion, Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory and statistical thermodynamics

Summary

Second Screen

Einstein’s modification of the double slit experiment is that the screen containing the two slits should rest on rollers and be able to move. By measuring the motion of the screen it would be possible to tell which slit the quantum entity had passed through which involves the entity acting as a particle while at the same time retaining the interference pattern. The uncertainty as to the position of the slits is sufficient to eliminate the interference pattern. Uncertainty in the position of the two slits in the experiment will eliminate the interference pattern. Placing the first screen on rollers in order to observe the movement of the slits so it is possible to tell which slit the entity went through causes uncertainty in the position of the slits of a sufficient amount to eliminate the interference pattern.

First Screen

Conclusion