Go back
You cannot observe an electron

You cannot observe an electron

Debates

MB

Joined
07 Dec 05
Moves
22654
Clock
49d

The human eye cannot observe an electron. When scientists say "observe" they mean they hit an electron with another subatomic particle, right? So the term "observe" really means a subatomic particle collision. Right?

Calling a subatomic collision an observation is stupid, isn't it? It is like saying two billiard balls colliding is an observation. Right?

u
The So Fist

Voice of Reason

Joined
28 Mar 06
Moves
9908
Clock
48d

@Metal-Brain said
The human eye cannot observe an electron. When scientists say "observe" they mean they hit an electron with another subatomic particle, right? So the term "observe" really means a subatomic particle collision. Right?

Calling a subatomic collision an observation is stupid, isn't it? It is like saying two billiard balls colliding is an observation. Right?
well, isn't your post just an observation about a set of facts?

Suzianne
Misfit Queen

Isle of Misfit Toys

Joined
08 Aug 03
Moves
37419
Clock
48d

@Metal-Brain said
The human eye cannot observe an electron. When scientists say "observe" they mean they hit an electron with another subatomic particle, right? So the term "observe" really means a subatomic particle collision. Right?

Calling a subatomic collision an observation is stupid, isn't it? It is like saying two billiard balls colliding is an observation. Right?
Photons have no mass, fool.

shavixmir
Lord

Sewers of Holland

Joined
31 Jan 04
Moves
89881
Clock
48d
1 edit

@Metal-Brain said
The human eye cannot observe an electron. When scientists say "observe" they mean they hit an electron with another subatomic particle, right? So the term "observe" really means a subatomic particle collision. Right?

Calling a subatomic collision an observation is stupid, isn't it? It is like saying two billiard balls colliding is an observation. Right?
The human eye cannot observe wind.

Yet, for some reason we can observe it, measure it and sometimes even predict it.

You’ll probably find your definition of observe is rather narrow.

Take a fart. Your eyes can’t see it. But you can certainly observe it.

But… but… no buts. There are different meanings “to observe”. And the one you are referring to is scientific observation.

MB

Joined
07 Dec 05
Moves
22654
Clock
48d

@shavixmir

How do you observe an electron? You cannot see electrons. You hit it with something to know it is there, right? Calling a collision an observation is silly, isn't it?

shavixmir
Lord

Sewers of Holland

Joined
31 Jan 04
Moves
89881
Clock
48d

@Metal-Brain said
@shavixmir

How do you observe an electron? You cannot see electrons. You hit it with something to know it is there, right? Calling a collision an observation is silly, isn't it?
Read my post again.

s
Fast and Curious

slatington, pa, usa

Joined
28 Dec 04
Moves
53321
Clock
48d

@Metal-Brain
Show us a scientific article that says they 'observe' electrons or protons or neutrino's.

MB

Joined
07 Dec 05
Moves
22654
Clock
47d

@shavixmir said
Read my post again.
We can feel wind. That is not the same. To observe an electron you have to hit it with something. For us to "see" an electron, a photon must first interact with it, and this interaction will change the path of that electron.

It is a collision rather than an observation. That is causing the observer effect. It is really a collision effect. You cannot see an electron.

MB

Joined
07 Dec 05
Moves
22654
Clock
47d

@Suzianne said
Photons have no mass, fool.
Electron do ....fool

Suzianne
Misfit Queen

Isle of Misfit Toys

Joined
08 Aug 03
Moves
37419
Clock
47d

@Metal-Brain said
Electron do ....fool
So?

Do you even read what you write?

Unfortunately, I do.

Great Big Stees

Joined
14 Mar 04
Moves
186742
Clock
47d
Vote Up
Vote Down

@Suzianne said
So?

Do you even read what you write?

Unfortunately, I do.
Some folk like to hear themselves. Speaking of which, why, when you hear your recorded voice does it never sound like you thought it did.🤔

Suzianne
Misfit Queen

Isle of Misfit Toys

Joined
08 Aug 03
Moves
37419
Clock
47d

@Great-Big-Stees said
Some folk like to hear themselves. Speaking of which, why, when you hear your recorded voice does it never sound like you thought it did.🤔
I imagine this has to do with the way you hear yourself, mostly through bone conduction through your head. Recorded voice doesn't have that component.

shavixmir
Lord

Sewers of Holland

Joined
31 Jan 04
Moves
89881
Clock
47d

@Metal-Brain said
We can feel wind. That is not the same. To observe an electron you have to hit it with something. For us to "see" an electron, a photon must first interact with it, and this interaction will change the path of that electron.

It is a collision rather than an observation. That is causing the observer effect. It is really a collision effect. You cannot see an electron.
Scientific observation is more than just seeing.
As I stated, your interpretation of observation is too narrow.

diver

Joined
16 Feb 08
Moves
120954
Clock
47d

@Metal-Brain said
I’ve seen billiard balls colliding, and I’d say it was a collision.

kmax87
Republicant Retiree

Blade Runner

Joined
09 Oct 04
Moves
107272
Clock
47d

@Metal-Brain said
We can feel wind. That is not the same. To observe an electron you have to hit it with something. For us to "see" an electron, a photon must first interact with it, and this interaction will change the path of that electron.

It is a collision rather than an observation. That is causing the observer effect. It is really a collision effect. You cannot see an electron.
Not being a physicist I can't say for certain but I thought the observation of electrons has more to do with them interacting with electrical fields than being hit in accelerometers.

Cookies help us deliver our Services. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn More.