This weekend I am participating in a semi-pro art show and I am submitting my version of a Schrödinger's cat experiment.
For those of you that are unfamiliar is a experiment in quantum mechanics devised by Erwin Schrödinger. Essentially, if a scenario existed where a cat could be so isolated from external influences, the state of the cat can only be known as a combination of possible rest states (eigenstates). By definition, no observation can be made as this would constitue an interference with the experiment.
In my exhibit scenario, the cat, acquired from the local pound, will be sealed/isolated with an enriched oxygen atmosphere in a large lead box. A transmitter inside the box will be connected to a rudimentary motion/level sensor I have attached to a Budweiser cooler full of beer in the back of my truck that is sitting unattended at a local park. Should the lid of the cooler be opened and a beer removed, the transmitter will trigger a small alcohol flame thrower inside the box and immolate the cat. Given the fact that a round robin of highschool baseball games will be played at the park on the day of the art show, I calculate a 50% probability of the cat getting snuffed. According to quantum theory, the unobserved cat is in a quantum superposition of coexisting alive and dead states.
To top off the exhibit, I've hired a gentleman to play show tunes on a harmonica next to the box.
Quantum Mechanics + Zombie Cat = High Class Art.
Originally posted by Hand of HecateYou are a legend, my friend.
This weekend I am participating in a semi-pro art show and I am submitting my version of a Schrödinger's cat experiment.
For those of you that are unfamiliar is a experiment in quantum mechanics devised by Erwin Schrödinger. Essentially, if a scenario existed where a cat could be so isolated from external influences, the state of the cat can only ...[text shortened]... show tunes on a harmonica next to the box.
Quantum Mechanics + Zombie Cat = High Class Art.
http://www.worth1000.com/entries/274000/274217vBda_w.jpg
Originally posted by Hand of HecateArg, sorry I have to bail out on the harmonica... something has come up. Hope you have enough time to find someone else.
This weekend I am participating in a semi-pro art show and I am submitting my version of a Schrödinger's cat experiment.
For those of you that are unfamiliar is a experiment in quantum mechanics devised by Erwin Schrödinger. Essentially, if a scenario existed where a cat could be so isolated from external influences, the state of the cat can only ...[text shortened]... show tunes on a harmonica next to the box.
Quantum Mechanics + Zombie Cat = High Class Art.
With regrets,
P-
Originally posted by Hand of HecateThis is an easy one to sort out. Leave the cat in the box for six months with no water and no food. I guarantee that when you open the box the cat will be dead. No superposition of states, no need for complicated mechanisms involving flamethrowers or poison gas. Schrodinger just didn't think it through far enough.
This weekend I am participating in a semi-pro art show and I am submitting my version of a Schrödinger's cat experiment.
For those of you that are unfamiliar is a experiment in quantum mechanics devised by Erwin Schrödinger. Essentially, if a scenario existed where a cat could be so isolated from external influences, the state of the cat can only ...[text shortened]... show tunes on a harmonica next to the box.
Quantum Mechanics + Zombie Cat = High Class Art.
Originally posted by KeplerActually, if this is not observed, what happens to the box that the cat is in? Is that still there?
This is an easy one to sort out. Leave the cat in the box for six months with no water and no food. I guarantee that when you open the box the cat will be dead. No superposition of states, no need for complicated mechanisms involving flamethrowers or poison gas. Schrodinger just didn't think it through far enough.