Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The behavior of electrons

Electrons act as waves, similarly to light waves. There are two forms of wave patterns, in-phase and out-of-phase. In-phase waves have coordinating high and low points. Out-of-phase waves have contrasting high and low points which lead to the cancellation of the waves. It is important to know about the difference in wave types when talking about electrons because it has a distinct affect on the distribution of the electrons as is demonstrated through the double split experiment. This experiment was conducted using two-boards, one with one slit and the other with two. Marbles and electrons were shot through each of the boards and the patterns created were documented. The marbles created patterns mimicking the slit boards, the electrons however did not rather they created wave patterns. To restrict the experiment even more electrons began being dispersed singularly and the pattern remained the same. However when an observational device was placed next to one of the slits the electrons began acting as the marbles did.

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