When was the cat Schrodinger invented? - briefly
The thought experiment known as Schrödinger's Cat was first introduced by Erwin Schrödinger in 1935. It was proposed in response to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, highlighting the peculiar nature of superposition and measurement in quantum theory.
When was the cat Schrodinger invented? - in detail
The concept of Schrödinger's cat, often attributed to Erwin Schrödinger, is deeply rooted in the foundational debates surrounding quantum mechanics. To appreciate when and how this thought experiment was "invented," we must delve into the historical context of early 20th-century physics.
In 1935, Erwin Schrödinger, along with Albert Einstein and Boris Podolsky, published a groundbreaking paper that introduced the EPR paradox. This work aimed to challenge the prevailing interpretation of quantum mechanics, particularly the notion of entanglement proposed by Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg. The EPR paradox questioned whether quantum mechanics provided a complete description of physical reality.
Schrödinger's cat was first introduced in this context as a thought experiment designed to illustrate the apparent absurdity of quantum superposition when applied to macroscopic objects. The idea was not formally published by Schrödinger himself but was included in a letter he wrote to Einstein shortly after their joint paper on the EPR paradox. In this correspondence, Schrödinger posited a scenario where a cat, enclosed in a box with a radioactive substance, could be simultaneously alive and dead until observed. This thought experiment aimed to underscore the counterintuitive nature of quantum mechanics and provoke deeper reflection on its interpretations.
Despite not being published by Schrödinger during his lifetime, the concept gained widespread recognition through discussions and presentations in academic circles. It was later popularized in textbooks and lectures, becoming a staple in the pedagogy of quantum mechanics.
In summary, while Schrödinger's cat was not formally "invented" or published as a standalone work, its origins can be traced back to 1935, when Erwin Schrödinger first proposed it in correspondence with Albert Einstein. This thought experiment has since become an enduring symbol of the philosophical debates and interpretational challenges that have accompanied the development of quantum mechanics.