Where Physics and Mysticism don't meet

When Heisenberg talks about the act of �observation� and suggests limits of what we can know about what is being observed, he is proposing a sort of boundary of knowledge. Basically, this has to do with the manner in which �vision�, �viewing� and of course �observing� functions.

What is �seeing�?

If we sat deep underground in a completely dark cave, we would not be able to see anything. The reason is obvious � there is no light. If a flashlight was then turned on and pointed at an object, we still do not �see� it. We only see the object when photons emitted by the flashlight bounce off an object and enter our eyes.

Heisenberg realised that pin-pointing the location of the electron as a particle would require the use of high frequency light in order to have high resolution. Ordinary visible light would not have a high enough frequency, and so, in theoretical thought experiment, Heisenberg proposed to use gamma rays. The thought experiment would fire gamma ray �bullets� towards where we might believe we will find an electron. If the gamma ray bullet does not collide with an electron it will travel in a straight line � and be detected by a photographic plate behind our target atom. If, however, the gamma ray bullet encounters an electron, it will be deflected from travelling in a straight line � and will be detected elsewhere on the photographic plate.

However, gamma rays along with high frequency, have a high energy. When our gamma rays encounter an electron some of it�s energy is transferred to that electron. Loosely speaking, this �pushes� the electron and changes it�s momentum. Our experiment could use lower frequency gamma rays and in this way not �push� and alter the momentum of the electron � but this will result in a less well defined location of the particle. Heisenberg mathematically defines the inherent uncertainty in knowing things about subatomic particles.

What about the idea that the electron exists in all possible states until it is observed? Essentially, the electron WILL be found in one of the possible calculated states � and there are, of course, certain states in which it is more likely to be found. While it may seem convenient to imagine that the electron is non-existent until measured � and this act of observation causes it to materialise into the �real� world � this is not the case.

There are many problems inherent in quantum mechanics. Scientists are working with �wave / particles� which they cannot directly observe which is but one of the difficulties. To our credit, we have produced tools such as quantum mechanics which can be used to describe and predict the behaviour of the subatomic world. In regards to mysticism, both The Uncertainty Principle and quantum mechanics in general do not validate a belief in the ability for a person to extend their will into the universe through the use of a �spiritual� force of any kind.

Quantum mechanics, while remaining strange and incomplete still strives to reveal and explain facts about the natural world through theoretical models which do not contradict data gathered in experiments and are able to be duplicated by other scientists wherever they may be.

As a model for the behaviour of subatomic particles and forces, it's the best we have.

For more information

Nobel Institute - Heisenberg Biography
http://nobelprize.org

Downloadable Electron Orbital Generator - (Windows)
http://www.orbitals.com