| Schrodinger's Cat | |
|---|---|
| |
| "Mrow." | |
|
Origin |
Erwin Schrodinger |
|
Type |
Male Aegean cat |
|
Effects |
Fluxes between alive and dead states |
|
Activation |
Observation |
|
Collected by |
M.C. Escher |
|
Section |
|
|
Aisle |
N/A (wanders around) |
|
Shelf |
N/A (wanders around) |
|
Date of Collection |
4-11-1935 |
| [Source] | |
Origin[]
Schrödinger intended his thought experiment as a discussion of the EPR article (named after its authors Einstein, Podolsky and Rosen). The EPR article highlighted the strange nature of quantum entanglement, which is a characteristic of a quantum state that is a combination of the states of two systems (for example, subatomic particles, that once interacted but were then separated and are not each in a definite state. The Copenhagen interpretation implies that the state of the two systems collapses into a definite state when one of the systems is measured. Schrödinger and Einstein exchanged letters about Einstein's EPR article, in the course of which Einstein pointed out that the state of an unstable gunpowder particle will, after a while, contain a superposition of both exploded and unexploded states.
To further illustrate, Schrödinger describes how one could, in principle, transpose the superposition of an atom to large-scale systems. He proposed a scenario with a cat in a sealed box, wherein the cat's life or death depended on the state of a subatomic particle. According to Schrödinger, the Copenhagen interpretation implies the cat remains both alive and dead (to the universe outside the box) until the box is opened.
The thought-experiment goes as follows: A cat is penned up in a steel chamber, along with the following device (which must be secured against direct interference by the cat): in a Gieger counter, there is a tiny bit of radioactive substance, so small that perhaps in the course of the hour, one of the atoms decays, but also, with equal probability, perhaps none; if it happens, the counter tube discharges, and through a relay releases a hammer that shatters a small flask of hydrocyanic acid. If one has left this entire system to itself for an hour, one would say that the cat still lives if meanwhile no atom has decayed. The psi-function of the entire system would express this by having in it the living and dead cat mixed or smeared out in equal parts. It is typical of these cases that an indeterminacy originally restricted to the atomic domain becomes transformed into macroscopic indeterminacy, which can then be resolved by direct observation. That prevents us from so naively accepting as valid a "blurred model" for representing reality. In itself, it would not embody anything unclear or contradictory. There is a difference between a shaky or out-of-focus photograph and a snapshot.
It is theorized that Schrodinger's Cat, affectionately dubbed "Shodi", came into being spontaneously as a result of the theoretical debate, being a very rare instance of an artifact manifesting out of pure concept and no physical medium.
Effects[]
Due to being an entirely manifested entity, Shodi is considered an amortal being, an entity that was never "born" and cannot "die". As a result, Shodi is considered not truly alive and is designated an artifact for the sake of categorization. Shodi exists in a quantum superposition of being both "dead" and "alive", specifically being in an inert and active state.
In its "alive" state, Shodi exhibits all of the behavior and mannerisms of a typical male housecat. He is noted to be quite friendly and enjoys attention. Though Shodi does not require food or hydration it may demand them, though it does not appear to physically consume anything and merely goes through the physical motions of consuming. In its "dead" state Shodi ceases all movement and does not respond to external stimulus, displaying all the typical physical traits of a dead cat. In this state its blood is transmuted into very potent hydrocyanic acid.
Shodi fluctuates between these states at random when not observed. If Shodi is killed via accident or its physical form is destroyed it has been known to reconstitute itself in a fully alive state at random when unobserved. Shodi manifested with its own collar, which locks it into a singular quantum state. If the collar is worn while Shodi is "alive" then his physical state becomes fixed and unalterable by any means. He does, however, have a habit of slipping it loose on occasion.
Trivia[]
- Shodi seems to perfer the company of Nikki Nola and Felix Draco above the other Warehouse Staff, but will take attention from anyone.
- 'Shodi' hasn't been neutered, so it is very important that he stays away from female cats.