Question

What is NOT demonstrated by the double slit experiment?

1) that light has both wave and particle properties
2) that electrons have both wave and particle properties
3) that the same pattern results for one slit as for two slits

Answer 1

The double slit experiment does not show that the same pattern results for one slit as for two slits; it demonstrates wave-particle duality, as particles display interference patterns even when passing through the slits individually.

Step-by-step explanation:

The double slit experiment is an important demonstration of quantum mechanics showing properties of wave-particle duality. However, what is NOT demonstrated by the double slit experiment is option 3: that the same pattern results for one slit as for two slits. When light or electrons pass through a single slit, the pattern on a detector screen is different, typically displaying a diffraction pattern rather than an interference pattern that is characteristic of the two slits. In the double slit experiment, even when the intensity is lowered to the point that electrons or photons pass through one at a time, an interference pattern still emerges over time, indicating the wave-like behavior of these particles. This is proof of their wave-particle duality, as the particles interfere with themselves. In contrast, a single slit does not produce the same interference pattern. Thus, the experiment powerfully demonstrates wave-particle duality but does not support the notion that one slit would give the same results as two.