The Double-Slit Garage Experiment
by R.R. Bukrey
Physics Department
Loyola University, Chicago,
Illinois
We are pleased to report that a classic atomic-scale physics experiment
-- the double-slit
experiment -- has now been carried out on a macroscopic scale. We have
demonstrated the wave/particle duality of a familiar, "everyday scale"
phenomenon -- the stream of cars passing through the exit lanes of the Loyola
University of Chicago parking
garage.
Figure 1. The twin exit lanes of the parking garage.
Background: The Wave-Particle Duality
"Is it a wave or a particle?" For centuries, physicists have
employed the "double-slit" experiment to answer this question
about new and unexplained phenomena. Starting with Thomas Young’s 1810
measurement of the wavelength of light, and continuing with similar
studies of subatomic particles in the early 20th century, the double-slit
experiments all confirmed Louis
deBroglie’s now-famous "wave-particle duality" hypothesis:
that absolutely everything should show both kinds of properties -- wave
and particle -- at one time or another.
The Auto-Slit Experiment
Until now, however, this wave/particle duality had been observed only for
extremely tiny phenomena. It had not been demonstrated convincingly for
large objects such as baseballs or bullets. Indeed, hardly anyone bothered
trying until we came along.
Now, thanks to the foresight and insight of the campus sign painter at Loyola
University of Chicago, we have direct evidence that automobiles also share
this wondrous duality.
See Figure 1, which shows the twin exit lanes of the parking garage. The sign -- "USE BOTH EXITS WHEN LEAVING THE PARKING STRUCTURE" -- directs patrons of the campus parking ramp to exit via both lanes. We know from previous experiments that during this process the cars must travel as waves.
Observation shows that, without exception, the emerging vehicles are intact
and have restored to their condition as particles.
This dual nature, this automotive wave/particle duality, is proof positive
that nature continues to surprise and amaze us.
Acknowledgements
Some of the credit for this breakthrough must be given to my colleagues here in the Physics Department. The idea that the sign could be so interpreted (the so-called "Chicago Interpretation," also known as the "Far-From-Copenhagen Interpretation") came from C.M. Brodbeck. The photograph was taken by J.V. Mallow. The person pictured on the right is G.P. Ramsey (the author is on the left). We all of us owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the sign painter; however, as he did not grant us co-authorship on his sign, we feel it would be presumptuous to give him co-authorship on our paper.
© Copyright 2001 Annals of Improbable Research (AIR)
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