Copenhagen interpretation
Quick Summary
The Copenhagen interpretation is a foundational view in quantum mechanics that emphasizes experimental observation. It posits that the inherent randomness and indeterminacy observed in quantum phenomena are fundamental aspects of nature, rather than a reflection of incomplete knowledge or unknown "hidden variables". This perspective, championed by physicists like Niels Bohr, suggests that it's unnecessary to seek underlying deterministic causes for quantum events.12
A key aspect of the Copenhagen interpretation is its pragmatic approach to measurement. It distinguishes between microscopic quantum systems and macroscopic measuring instruments, stating that the act of measurement causes the wave function to "collapse" into a single outcome, though the precise mechanism remains a subject of debate. This interpretation became the prevailing view of quantum mechanics, despite challenges from physicists like Albert Einstein who sought a more deterministic explanation.32
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
- quantum mechanicsHidden variables
…present article—is known as the Copenhagen interpretation because its main protagonist, Niels Bohr, worked in that city. The Copenhagen view of understanding the physical world stresses the importance of basing theory on what can be observed and measured experimentally. It therefore rejects the idea of hidden variables as quantities that…
Read More…present article—is known as the Copenhagen interpretation because its main protagonist, Niels Bohr, worked in that city. The Copenhagen view of understanding the physical world stresses the importance of basing theory on what can be observed and measured experimentally. It therefore rejects the idea of hidden variables as quantities that…
Read More - quantum mechanicsMeasurement in quantum mechanics
As discussed above, the Copenhagen interpretation of the measurement process is essentially pragmatic. It distinguishes between microscopic quantum systems and macroscopic measuring instruments. The initial object or event—e.g., the passage of an electron, photon, or atom—triggers the classical measuring device into giving a reading; somewhere along the chain of…
Read MoreAs discussed above, the Copenhagen interpretation of the measurement process is essentially pragmatic. It distinguishes between microscopic quantum systems and macroscopic measuring instruments. The initial object or event—e.g., the passage of an electron, photon, or atom—triggers the classical measuring device into giving a reading; somewhere along the chain of…
Read More 
physical scienceQuantum mechanics…which became known as the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, was that reality can be ascribed only to a measurement. Einstein argued that the physical world must have real properties whether or not one measures them; he and Schrödinger published a number of thought experiments designed to show that things…
Read More…which became known as the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, was that reality can be ascribed only to a measurement. Einstein argued that the physical world must have real properties whether or not one measures them; he and Schrödinger published a number of thought experiments designed to show that things…
Read More