The relationship between observation/measurement and the quantum state is indeed a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics, often encapsulated in the concept of the observer effect or the measurement problem. The act of observation or measurement disturbs the quantum system, leading to the collapse of its wave function and the determination of a particular outcome.
However, it's important to clarify that while observation and measurement do affect quantum systems, they don't necessarily preclude our ability to understand or describe them scientifically. Quantum mechanics provides a highly successful framework for predicting and explaining the behavior of quantum systems, even if it introduces some conceptual challenges.
Scientists have developed mathematical formalisms, such as the Schrödinger equation and the principles of quantum mechanics, that accurately describe and predict the behavior of quantum systems in a wide range of contexts. These theories have been extensively tested through experiments, and they consistently yield accurate results.
While the interpretation of quantum mechanics remains a subject of debate, and certain aspects of quantum phenomena may seem mysterious or counterintuitive, scientists continue to make progress in understanding and manipulating quantum systems. Advances in quantum technologies, such as quantum computing and quantum communication, demonstrate that while the quantum world may be strange, it is not beyond the reach of scientific inquiry.
In summary, while the observer effect poses challenges to our understanding of quantum systems, it does not preclude the possibility of scientific investigation or explanation. Scientists have developed robust theoretical frameworks and experimental techniques that allow them to study and manipulate quantum phenomena, even if they do so in ways that respect the inherent limitations imposed by the principles of quantum mechanics.
