In the double- slit experiment with electrons, suppose that the observer uses a detector to determine through which slit the electron actually passes. Does this affect the outcome of the experiment, and why or why not?
A) No, the pattern on the screen remains an interference pattern, regardless of the detector.
B) No, the pattern on the screen remains a non- interference pattern, regardless of the detector.
C) Yes, the detector causes the pattern on the screen to suddenly change from an interference pattern [with no detector] to two tiny spots directly behind each slit [with the detector].
D) Yes, the detector causes the pattern on the screen to suddenly change from an interference pattern [with no detector] to a non- interference pattern [with the detector].
E) Yes, the detector causes the pattern on the screen to suddenly change from a non- interference pattern [with no detector] to an interference pattern [with the detector].

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When a detector is used to determine which slit the electron passes through, the wave function collapses, and the interference pattern disappears, resulting in a non-interference pattern.

In the Double- Slit Experiment with Electrons, Suppose That the Observer