One of creators of quantum mechanics Ervin Schrödinger is the author of the known example about a cat who at the same time both is alive, and is dead. Using such peculiar method of an explanation, the scientist tried to show lack of theoretical base which would connect macro - and microcosms. Having studied the description of a mental experiment about a cat, the meaning of the theory of Schrödinger becomes more clear.
In spite of the fact that the planetary model of atom proved the viability, the theory existing at that time could not explain in full all processes which were observed in real life. It turned out that in fact, the classical Newtonian mechanics for some reason does not work at microlevel. I.e. the model prototype borrowed from real life does not correspond to observations of scientists of that time in case of consideration of atom instead of our solar system.
On the basis of it the concept was significantly processed. There was such discipline as quantum mechanics. The outstanding physicist Ervin Schrödinger stood at the origins of this direction.
Concept of superposition
The main principle which distinguishes the new theory is the principle of superposition. According to this principle, the quantum (electron, a photon or a proton) can be in two states at the same time. If to simplify understanding of this formulation, then the fact which cannot absolutely be presented in our consciousness will turn out. The quantum can be at the same time in two places.
At the time of emergence, this theory contradicted not only to classical mechanics, but also common sense. Even now, the educated person far from physics, hardly can imagine such situation. This understanding, eventually, means, as the samchitatel can be now and here, and there. Quite so the person tries to present transition from a macrocosm to a microcosm.
To the person who got used to be influenced by action of Newtonian mechanics and to perceive itself in one point of space, it was extremely difficult to present stay in two places at once. Besides, theory per se and regularities upon transition from macro to micro was not. There was no understanding of concrete numerical values and rules.
However, devices of that time allowed to fix already accurately this "a quantum dissonance". Laboratory devices confirmed that the formulated postulates are really well-founded and the quantum is capable to be in two states. For example, electronic gas around an atomic nucleus was recorded.
Based on it, Schrödinger formulated the known concept which is known as the theory about a cat now. The purpose of this formulation was to show that in the classical theory of physics the huge failure demanding additional study was formed.
Kot of Schrödinger
The mental experiment about a cat was that the cat was placed in the closed steel box. The box was equipped with the device with poisonous gas and adaptation with an atomic nucleus.
Proceeding from the known postulates, the atomic nucleus can break up to components within one hour, but can not break up. Respectively, the probability of this event is 50%.
If the kernel breaks up, then the counter registrar works, and in response to this event there is a release of toxic agent from adaptation described earlier which supplied a box. I.e. the cat perishes from poison. If it does not occur, the cat does not perish respectively. Proceeding from the probability of disintegration of 50%, the probability that the cat survives – 50%.
Proceeding and the quantum theory, atom can be in two states at once. I.e. atom both broke up, and did not break up. The registrar means and worked, having broken the container with poison, and did not break up. The cat got poisoned with poison, and the cat did not get poisoned with poison at the same time.
But to imagine such picture that having opened a box, the researcher found a dead and live cat at once, it is just impossible. Kot either is alive, or is dead. In it a situation paradox. Consciousness of the viewer cannot imagine a dead and live cat.
The paradox is that the cat is a macrocosm object. Respectively to say about it that he is alive and dead, i.e. is in two states similar to quantum at once, will be not absolutely correct.
Using this example, Schrödinger concentrated on the fact of lack of accurate parallels between macro - and microcosms. The subsequent comments which experts gave, explain that it is necessary to consider a system the radiation detector – a cat, but not a cat viewer. In a system the detector cat only one event is probable.