Question

What is the superposition principle in quantum mechanics in layman's terms?

Answer 1

Step 1 : Superposition principle :

1. The superposition principle is the idea that a system is in all possible states at the same time, until it is measured.
2. After measurement it then falls to one of the basis states that form the superposition, thus destroying the original configuration.

Step 2 : The principle of quantum superposition :

1. Superposition is the ability of quantum system to be in multiple states at the same time until it is measured.
2. The most general state is a combination of all of these possibilities, where the amount in each configuration is specified by a complex number.
3. One example of superposition is the double slit experiment, where, two slits in a barrier allow for the passage of electrons. The result of this experiment is an interference pattern not predicted by classical mechanics.

Step 3: Example of Superposition

Diagram of Schrodinger experiment: