What constitutes an observation in Quantum Physics?

Question

According to quantum physics, a particle exists as a probability wave function until it is observed, right? So what exactly is an observation?

Is it an observation exclusive to a sentient entity, whether it be direct or indirect (i.e. experimental measurement)? If so, how would a particle "know" it's being observed?

Or is it any interaction with other particles? If so, how can two of the same particles exist anywhere in the universe coexist without somehow interacting? For example, two electrons have electric fields ranging radially outward to infinity, so no matter where they are in relation to eachother, they should always be in contact with regards to their electric forces. Likewise, with any massive particles, gravity would be the common interaction regardless of their relative positions. This being true, wouldn't the wavefunction of every particle in the universe be in a state of constant collapse?

I'm just trying desparately to get a conceptual grasp of this concept. :)

Answer 1

This is a good question. I think it can be an indirect obseravtion, because when the two slit experiment was performed with electrons, it was the observation of electron detectors that caused the interference pattern to collapse.

Answer 2

Matter does not exist as a probability . It JUst exists

WE cannot observe what we cannot see. But we can observe the effect only

All particles in the universe interact with space.And time dictates how fast the Interaction occurs.
Therefore the Universe is not a static system but a dynamics one which maintains a quasi equilibrium state.That means the equilibrium process is not static.
We can analyse all motion as oscilliatory.by wave analysis,Fourier series etc..
The only difference Betwen forces that are betwen micromasses and micromasse is the Magnetude of the interaction.
The Universe mass structure are in constant radiation decay.
While others absorb the radiation and increase in mass.

Quantum mechanics cannot observe instanteaneous measurement.
The reason is that motion is in continual change. we can only measure avereages. Probabilities are only a shot in the Dark.
Hope this answers some of your dilemmas.

Answer 3

Whne you measure a quantum particle, it is distrubed by your measurement, for instance the orbit of the electron is disturbed when you measure it's speed and so you will not know it's posistion.