The Invisible Truth and Takahara’s Questions

Sui Takahara, the assistant, arrived early at the lab again this morning. As Satoshi Koizumi reviewed the previous day’s experiment results, he called out to Takahara.

“Good morning, Takahara. How did you find yesterday’s experiment results?”

Takahara, looking slightly puzzled, replied, “There are still parts I don’t quite understand, especially the concepts in quantum mechanics…”

Nodding, Satoshi said, “Alright, let’s go over the basics of quantum mechanics today. Have you ever heard of Schrödinger’s cat?”

“I’ve heard the name, but I don’t know much about it,” Takahara answered with a somewhat confused expression.

“Schrödinger’s cat is a thought experiment where a cat is placed in a sealed box, and there’s a 50% chance that poison gas will be released. Until you open the box, the cat is considered both alive and dead at the same time—both states exist simultaneously until observed,” Satoshi explained.

Takahara, surprised, asked, “But even if we’re not looking, isn’t the cat actually in one state or the other?”

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“That’s how we usually think. But in quantum mechanics, until it’s observed, both states are considered to exist at the same time,” Satoshi answered with a smile.

Still not fully convinced, Takahara pressed further, “Is it really possible for such things to happen?”

“That’s a good question. It’s been proven in experiments. In the world of quantum mechanics, matter behaves in ways that defy common sense. That’s the fascinating part of science,” Satoshi continued.

Takahara nodded thoughtfully, trying hard to wrap his head around the concept. “I can’t quite grasp how this relates to our world yet, but I’m definitely more curious to learn.”

Afternoon Café Lunch

In the afternoon, Satoshi and Takahara went to a nearby café for lunch. Takahara couldn’t stop thinking about the Schrödinger’s cat discussion, replaying it in his mind.

“Dr. Koizumi, about what we talked about earlier—I still find it hard to believe that nothing is definite until it’s observed…” Takahara said, looking perplexed.

“I understand how you feel. Quantum mechanics deals with a world that defies common sense. But since it’s been confirmed through experiments, we can’t ignore it,” Satoshi replied.

Takahara glanced out the window, taking in the soft afternoon sunlight that bathed the café’s terrace, and let out a quiet sigh.

Though still deep in thought, Takahara’s understanding was slowly evolving. “I still don’t fully get it, but… it’s really fascinating.”

The gentle afternoon light enveloped the two, and as the scent of coffee drifted through the air, they quietly pondered the mysteries of quantum mechanics.

Notification a Few Days Later

A few days later, Satoshi received official notification from the University of Tokyo confirming their participation in the upcoming conference. The renowned physicist Li Wenqiang was scheduled to give a lecture at the event.

“Takahara, it’s official! We’re going to the international conference. Dr. Li will be giving a lecture. This is an amazing opportunity.”

Takahara’s eyes lit up with excitement. “Absolutely! Getting to hear about quantum mechanics directly from Dr. Li is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!”

Both of them were filled with anticipation, knowing that this conference could propel their research to new heights.