Is the wave function Ψ in Schrödinger's equation iℏ[(∂Ψ)/(∂t)]=H^Ψ a physical entity (ontic) or a knowledge-based construct (epistemic)? Ontic views, such as Many-Worlds, imply ∣Ψ∣^2 reflects real-world probabilities, while epistemic interpretations, like QBism, suggest Ψ represents an observer's belief. This distinction impacts the interpretation of collapse, measurement, and nonlocality.
For a photon, or perhaps an ensemble of photons, the electric field, which is measurable, is proportional to Ψ. Its square is proportional to the probability of measuring a photon there, I think. It was a surprise to me that something so ordinary as voltage gradient had the same properties as the root of probability which seemed a very strange concept. I lean towards Ψ being ontic, which think electric field is.
Is the wave real or not, repeatably asked.?
Yes its real respect to distribution of particles or photons,
Not one without the other, one would say.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Phytochemistry
- Extracts