CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html> <html id="structuredContentTemplate_1-0" class="comp structuredContentTemplate article-html html mntl-html no-js taxlevel-3" data-ab="99,99,99,99,99,99,99,99,99,99,99,99,99,99,55,99,99,99,77" data-mm-ads-resource-version="1.2.199" data-reference-resource-version="4.43.0" data-mm-video-resource-version="1.4.34" data-mantle-resource-version="4.0.860" lang="en" data-tracking-container="true" data-resource-version="4.43.0" data-ddm-standard-tracking="true"> <head class="loc head"> <link rel="preconnect" href="//js-sec.indexww.com"> <link rel="preconnect" href="//c.amazon-adsystem.com"> <link rel="preconnect" href="//securepubads.g.doubleclick.net"> <link rel="dnsprefetch" href="//www.google-analytics.com"> <meta charset="utf-8"> <meta http-equiv="X-UA-Compatible" content="IE=edge"> <meta name="robots" content="max-image-preview:large, NOODP, NOYDIR" /> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304" /> <title>Quantum Zeno Effect</title> <meta name="description" content="The quantum Zeno effect is a phenomenon in quantum physics. Here's how it works, its origins, and the meaning of anti-Zeno effect." itemprop="description"> <meta name="emailcontenttype" content="STRUCTUREDCONTENT" /> <meta name="emailvertical" content="THOUGHTCO" /> <meta name="sailthru.author" content="Andrew Zimmerman Jones" /> <meta name="sailthru.tags" content="sciences-math,science,physics" /> <meta name="parsely-section" content="Science, Tech, Math" /> <meta name="parsely-tags" content="ThoughtCo,Science, Tech, Math,Science,Physics" />  <meta itemprop="name" content="Quantum Zeno Effect" /> <meta property="article:section" content="ThoughtCo" />  <meta property="og:type" content="article" /> <meta property="og:site_name" content="ThoughtCo" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304" /> <meta property="og:title" content="What Is the Quantum Zeno Effect?" /> <meta property="og:description" content="The quantum Zeno effect is a phenomenon in quantum physics. Here's how it works, its origins, and the meaning of anti-Zeno effect." /> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/oovH309UwY0jbN3_H5T6jXSv8F0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-water-boiling-in-teapot-562817171-5810e69c3df78c2c73075972.jpg" /> <meta property="article:author" content="https://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom/" />  <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image" /> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@thoughtcocom" /> <meta name="twitter:title" content="What Is the Quantum Zeno Effect?" /> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The quantum Zeno effect is a phenomenon in quantum physics. Here's how it works, its origins, and the meaning of anti-Zeno effect." /> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/oovH309UwY0jbN3_H5T6jXSv8F0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-water-boiling-in-teapot-562817171-5810e69c3df78c2c73075972.jpg" /> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://feeds-api.dotdashmeredith.com/v1/rss/google/e5bf8ae1-a904-434a-842c-3487c2b4e7c2"> <link type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" data-glb-css="top" href="/static/4.43.0/cache/eNqtVl224yAI3tB4soh5nU0YJQlTfzJKOr27H6K2TVprcs-ZlwSQDxAB7SJJQtVZ6chAp2LsVgn86N4X0MoRxGykgskbDaGmZCGgRuk6dBpuD420JNG9QbydvQNHsbuw21v-PmGvywEGCOAUiL2i9XoxELeAINGIK2rwyXuiWvq9jCUBSkgdazGwuNsuvW_iL-oR-O884YCKtbwTvXQOQs4hFO6EjQlwnOjnJN0IvzASrEZqwlqoo_G9NKwudUJJXddz8opjCrOLF5yFQXd5UjXE4INl-6tjaUQEGdT0wh44ytEIlmzIA8ywGBNVAHAJt2cPsH1gLyosto9belec6255y5EaB5MaIGmPOBz4VN6RVJSC3dCfqsqkPPReBn2qRgcDN-wNcKW29Ddm8y4rburx_15sKYYH1chMqbbBe-Jqy79GVdb13s1ui9Mr5PpK6Vx79MEeFfUTV8E0Xebwcrk9yG9B16zFHXMOrj1pGSexOLxCiCX-qrRhUAaWl7Fc6Gr5FTUeraKhZoHHejcHboLwJXIr7LhzWzvqxc_bKH9RRtqebW2sAUQ3vvItS7OPVMyIUk298eryceHElC_qcZKh3KCsKbbSWkRV9BGoX4i8i8kLH50jkSWNKCOFRdESQIt1irGsTMH9kZ_PugWSO6bhvP_inoEcb6FbHu_q31CVC00-CPLeEM6tIiQKyNnCNX8bRiCBPXHKxUN3wtMupNy89SgbSb-fVeX48hPvVfx_jfZoTLpkRGTo5Uu0H00VgxNZkz6twKJfgoIopGMg0n3gvwtbHXTXEVnwyjdfmOtTTKzvzJSAJ9sCxT_LvdNLcrLkLOZQ2fHCNStnsjnReOrny_hBfXqiPJ_efqGet-kqosYpWxm948tifWTtmAZGpYcLf_4BF3_hOQ.min.css"></link> <style type="text/css"> </style> <script type="text/javascript" data-glb-js="top" src="/static/4.43.0/cache/eNqNk2FqwzAMhS804zsMxn4NxsgFFFtx1Th2kJSW9PRzQtemxQ2DONh-n6RnObGioOTsAEkjWpeHMSdMKjbCnCe1RymPcQd0_Zt9hI8LdJmFLliInDoKz8h1FamVR5ySIgs6pZxqeTN49BXB5dwTSkWZlCJpXeuS2ZN9HnZ1ZXA9pbALnTD5zFYPnLVsVYihTEzLCP2Yy_nvSYrG2CFjcvi6xuZunHC3vipVxqmVqb0L2U8R1-7_NO_LeCWtpyyTjxNuzW38w9xiLRr8FyqTk2ZJgVxjPr-bZdQkBQ6oS38FOowkWqPEGfBSUxiL4wmb6y3dkE3DSuRChlFrHYOA5kR43ul40GH9_CK53uhzpT8zmwCmcFDDQHG1eFv9P4bKD5VI0dy3TTFWzPIvW9ZmNg.min.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> window.Mntl = window.Mntl || {}; window.Mntl.csrf = window.Mntl.csrf || window.Mntl.csrfInit('6de1755387dead3834174189c04a1c2f', false);window.Mntl = window.Mntl || {}; Mntl.RTB = Mntl.RTB || {}; Mntl.RTB.setUseConsentManagement(false); Mntl.RTB.setIpAddress('8.222.208.146') Mntl.RTB.setUseLiveRamp(true); Mntl.RTB.setUseLiveIntentSignedInUser(true); Mntl.RTB.setUseGDPREnforcement(false); Mntl.RTB.setUseCommerceAndShoppingAPSTag(false); Mntl.RTB.setUseAmazonNcaHookTest(false); Mntl.RTB.setTaxonomyStampValues({"tax1":"tho_sciences-math","tax2":"tho_science","tax0":"tho_root","tax3":"tho_physics"}); Mntl.RTB.setPrebidBidResponseTimeout(800); Mntl.RTB.setPrebidUserIdAuctionDelay(500); Mntl.RTB.setRtbLibraryLoadTimeout(750); Mntl.RTB.setAmazonTamBidResponseTimeout(1000); Mntl.RTB.Plugins.amazon.amazonConfigs = {"mapTaxValues":{"tax1":"tho_sciences-math","tax2":"tho_science","si_section":"tho_science","tax0":"tho_root","tax3":"tho_physics"},"amazonSlotName":false,"mapFBValues":{"billboard2":"287662961980198_287667961979698","billboard6":"287662961980198_287667961979698","adunitid":"mapFBID","billboard5":"287662961980198_287667961979698","billboard4":"287662961980198_287667961979698","billboard3":"287662961980198_287667961979698","leaderboard2":"287662961980198_287667635313064","billboard7":"287662961980198_287667961979698","video":"287662961980198_287667961979698","billboard":"287662961980198_287667961979698","leaderboardac":"287662961980198_287667961979698","leaderboard":"287662961980198_287668258646335","default":"287662961980198_287667961979698","leaderboardfooter2":"287662961980198_287667961979698","native":"287662961980198_287667961979698","leaderboardfooter":"287662961980198_287667635313064"},"amazonSection":"Physics"}; Mntl.RTB.Plugins.prebid.setPriceGranularity({"buckets":[{"max":"20","increment":"0.05"},{"max":"70","increment":"1"}]}); Mntl.RTB.initVideoBidders([{ type: 'amazon', id: '3222' }, { type: 'prebid', id: 'true' } ]); Mntl.RTB.initDisplayAndOutstreamBidders([{ type: "amazon", id: '3222'},{ type: "msg", id: 'true'},{ type: "prebid", id: 'true'},{ type: "liveConnect", id: 'b-01jb'}]); Mntl.RTB.Plugins.prebid.setConfig({"square-fixed\/tier1":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442664,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482890,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4515221","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_square-fixed_300x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324010","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830375","type":"display"}}],"leaderboard-fixed\/tier1":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442654,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482885,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4515375","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_leaderboard-fixed_728x90_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324000","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830371","type":"display"}}],"square-fixed-replies\/tier1":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":3601290,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":34330401,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"6389437","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"thoughtco_square-fixed-replies_300x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561381983","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"1146794","type":"display"}}],"preroll":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"type":"instream","supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"type":"instream","zoneId":2442674,"accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"type":"instream","placementId":25482895}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"type":"instream","adSlot":"4515226","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"type":"instream","inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_preroll_pbc2s"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"type":"instream","unit":"561365587","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"type":"instream","siteId":"830386"}}],"square-flex\/tier1":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442672,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482894,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4515225","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_square-flex_300x600_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324012","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830381","type":"display"}}],"square-fixed-comments\/tier1":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":3546588,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":34080851,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"6234514","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"thoughtco_square-fixed-comments_300x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324013","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"1137158","type":"display"}}],"global":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"accountId":7499,"siteId":426884,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"publisherId":"158139","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net","type":"display"}}],"leaderboardac\/tier1":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442662,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482889,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"6405120","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_leaderboardac_728x90_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324006","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830377","type":"display"}}],"leaderboardfooter-flex\/tier1":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442654,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482885,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4632121","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_leaderboardfooter-flex_970x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324008","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830371","type":"display"}}],"leaderboard-flex\/tier1":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442662,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482889,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4515220","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_leaderboard-flex_970x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324003","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830377","type":"display"}}]}); Mntl.RTB.Plugins.prebid.setSrc('/cache/eNqllsGS0zAMhl-ITod9gwLdnc7QYdkW7o6tZLV1JI8stw1Pj1oYhgOHKJwSZ_TZvy35V9ZVg2Jcj5xahrruGqXb862ui0CHyV4SVv09WkUWeLeeC4mm_T1mPhJy5ssmKp5REaoD1LqhkCcLrpsUioLMhyNTBdJ9oDDAaG_H2DtoQQXepcNUFcb5XIKuDQPS4ED6skkHkDPId0zA80kM9UXTs_DZOMfRWDQp6vQZ6eTfYsYz7EhtCj9bQijoDH9keSrqgVAWKLuPfqXhAyZ3uRXBCI-ZWRwFXl-DQPKL1dh_ZFLhPJ9pmB78KzXCHpdIbBUsC467XgrBtdUlZ4_XRRlr3XiLXMJK69AMZgmqmhZhgiVDxl6X0FyAFh1SfG10craIKGCBZ1gJkPkSyMo-lxwmh97uDaI-tSCeElreK8byH41lPjoU_aaYq6s5OImKP8CJmDW832LyEQ8-4u-u4TjrJlZEcXJu6ALhdFBX0bJoZ55q7u8zka5ur7arilYVjtuMI3DTrw2aQ2PiMSB9MY1iLfzIL8z66f5t_hwnmC4snszdLcBv5M6UxaAwsExHCVSzMUx7m8r1J6U3tmcZn4OE0avg1rEOE0WvcCYyrzK9O-odP29N8r9X-hO5vUJst4l_Ag_Th1c.js'); Mntl.RTB.Plugins.prebid.setUserIdConfig({"liveIntentPublisherId":"79925"}); Mntl.RTB.AdConfigs = Mntl.RTB.AdConfigs || {}; Mntl.RTB.AdConfigs.rawConfig = {"slots":{"square-fixed-replies\/tier1":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":3601290,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":34330401,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"6389437","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"thoughtco_square-fixed-replies_300x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561381983","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"1146794","type":"display"}}]},"leaderboard-fixed\/tier1":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442654,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482885,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4515375","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_leaderboard-fixed_728x90_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324000","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830371","type":"display"}}]},"square-fixed\/tier1":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442664,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482890,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4515221","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_square-fixed_300x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324010","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830375","type":"display"}}]},"leaderboard-flex\/tier1":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442662,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482889,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4515220","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_leaderboard-flex_970x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324003","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830377","type":"display"}}]},"preroll":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"type":"instream","supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"type":"instream","zoneId":2442674,"accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"type":"instream","placementId":25482895}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"type":"instream","adSlot":"4515226","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"type":"instream","inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_preroll_pbc2s"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"type":"instream","unit":"561365587","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"type":"instream","siteId":"830386"}}]},"square-flex\/tier1":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442672,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482894,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4515225","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_square-flex_300x600_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324012","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830381","type":"display"}}]},"leaderboardfooter-flex\/tier1":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442654,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482885,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"4632121","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_leaderboardfooter-flex_970x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324008","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830371","type":"display"}}]},"square-fixed-comments\/tier1":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":3546588,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":34080851,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"6234514","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"thoughtco_square-fixed-comments_300x250_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324013","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"1137158","type":"display"}}]},"leaderboardac\/tier1":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"zoneId":2442662,"type":"display","accountId":7499,"siteId":426884}},{"bidder":"appnexus","params":{"placementId":25482889,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"adSlot":"6405120","type":"display","publisherId":"158139"}},{"bidder":"triplelift","params":{"inventoryCode":"ThoughtCo_leaderboardac_728x90_pbc2s","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"unit":"561324006","type":"display","delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net"}},{"bidder":"ix","params":{"siteId":"830377","type":"display"}}]}},"default":{"prebid":[{"bidder":"ttd","params":{"supplySourceId":"dotdash","publisherId":"1","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"rubicon","params":{"accountId":7499,"siteId":426884,"type":"display"}},{"bidder":"pubmatic","params":{"publisherId":"158139","type":"display"}},{"bidder":"openx","params":{"delDomain":"meredith-d.openx.net","type":"display"}}],"prebidModules":["prebid-core.js","rtdModule.js","allowActivities.js","atsAnalyticsAdapter.js","consentManagementTcf.js","criteoIdSystem.js","debugging.js","dfpAdServerVideo.js","iasRtdProvider.js","identityLinkIdSystem.js","liveIntentIdSystem.js","paapi.js","paapiForGpt.js","pairIdSystem.js","prebidServerBidAdapter.js","priceFloors.js","sharedIdSystem.js","tcfControl.js","uid2IdSystem.js","unifiedIdSystem.js","userId.js","appnexusBidAdapter.js","ixBidAdapter.js","pubmaticBidAdapter.js","rubiconBidAdapter.js","ttdBidAdapter.js","tripleliftBidAdapter.js","openxBidAdapter.js"]},"ab":[]}; console.log('✅ Libra is loaded!'); (function(){ const mantleDependencies = { } ; const pageTargeting = { customSeries: '' ,abtest: 'lcid1' ,tax0: 'tho' ,rid: 'n0613c324b0e84c25aa3036c13056655921' ,custom: '' ,sid: 'n0613c324b0e84c25aa3036c13056655921' } ; const baseSlotTargeting = { gtemplate: 'article' ,leaid: '18797' ,revenueGroup: '' ,docId: '2699304' ,viewtype: '' ,type: 'article' ,tax1: 'tho_sciences-math' ,tax2: 'tho_science' ,t: '110' ,au: '18797' ,tier: 'L' ,jny: '0' ,leuid: '151378030080892' ,sbj: '' ,id: '2699304' ,aid: 'ba50908e230001bb128014c1' ,tax3: 'tho_physics' ,jnyroot: '' } ; const adLazyOffset = {'mob-square-fixed-intro-1': 750}; pageTargeting.w = Mntl.utilities.getW(); const initialSlots = []; initialSlots.push({ config: { id: 'leaderboard-flex-1', sizes: [[728, 90], [970,90], [970, 250]], type: 'leaderboard', rtb: true, timedRefresh: 0, waitForThirdParty: false }, targeting: Mntl.fnUtilities.deepExtend({}, { pos: 'atf', priority: 1 }) }); initialSlots.push({ config: { id: 'square-flex-1', sizes: [[300, 250],[300, 600],[300, 1050],[160, 600]], type: 'square', rtb: true, timedRefresh: 0, waitForThirdParty: false }, targeting: Mntl.fnUtilities.deepExtend({}, { pos: 'atf', priority: 2 }) }); const testIds = Mntl.GPT.getTestIds(); pageTargeting.ab = testIds; pageTargeting.bts = testIds; Mntl.utilities.onLoad(function() { Mntl.utilities.loadExternalJS({ src: '//securepubads.g.doubleclick.net/tag/js/gpt.js', async: false }); }); const options = { domain: 'www.thoughtco.com', templateName: 'structuredcontent', isMobile: false, isTablet: false, isDesktop: true, dfpId: '3865', publisherProvidedId: '30e659fb-5e98-4420-9a5c-e04c6b190aad', singleRequest: false, useLmdFormat: true, useOxygen: true, prebidConfigApi: false, useInfiniteRightRail: true, loadAdsAboveViewport: false, waitForNextFramePaint: false, revenueGroupAllowList: '', lmdSiteCode: 'hlt', pageTargeting, baseSlotTargeting, adLazyOffset, geo: { isInEurope: false, isInUsa: false }, initialSlots, auctionFloors: {"billboard2":{"id":"1552493e0f0844c9aa10ef73ad78a9e4","floor":"5"},"other":{"id":"ade0de584a2a422f99e934cd54b87d52","floor":"50"},"billboard6":{"id":"d9f82edf28e44244a1bb7117f42ac476","floor":"5"},"billboard5":{"id":"b340b93231954f2689e7025e2c0b4d18","floor":"5"},"billboard4":{"id":"7ad9ab485fa5443fa94ccc9bdca0a54c","floor":"5"},"billboard3":{"id":"f3f09dd3fe0147ca8227ab5458eebddb","floor":"5"},"billboard9":{"id":"488a3fee6fac46538f5e3ae6e51fe20e","floor":"5"},"billboard8":{"id":"f026d0eec2024513afe5b28e3319ac0f","floor":"5"},"billboardfooter2":{"id":"311073fb68e74727993cb054fe4430ac","floor":"50"},"broadmatch":{"id":"1bf596551eb9405a8d491ce078883cd4","floor":"5"},"billboard7":{"id":"8c88c6ba9f90426e800eff9dd8d0da96","floor":"5"},"leaderboardac":{"id":"1d2472433a85494c9501b140d9a1ad07","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-fixed":{"id":"449b24392f4b4c3a8285e203a64b2e6b","floor":"50"},"billboardfooter":{"id":"bd907afd733c48f185f70915ac74154a","floor":"20"},"leaderboardfooter2":{"id":"b4e76d3c1cf74c1ca3f12ec305e5d477","floor":"20"},"leaderboard-flex-1":{"id":"6330c0d82bd34adda20418fdc163d9a1","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-flex-2":{"id":"69272dabe35b4230a13938af298f75ff","floor":"5"},"square-flex-2":{"id":"c13704bf38e94252aa37db34edaddc9d","floor":"5"},"square-flex-1":{"id":"6fc33fe17f4747dfb36dfebf395636da","floor":"5"},"adhesive":{"id":"64de72640b214667bb8b9619b8b6a19d","floor":"25"},"square-fixed-4":{"id":"d52b7b6757414cb6a7d9885ff4c77b5d","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-3":{"id":"b57dc2458de54ebfac6f1f50477c6b45","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-2":{"id":"37febc1e4b1d446eab0c4fc4c075b0fd","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-fixed-1":{"id":"18efe8595dde4c02997da03ea354f7c0","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-1":{"id":"f35a56c653844a519beacc6324430144","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-8":{"id":"4854e3a5e1df46d6bfd2d35901766c07","floor":"5"},"mob-square-fixed-8":{"id":"f5dd53128a5f45f79b6c0e10ef184775","floor":"20"},"mob-square-flex-1":{"id":"21369d2b78ed46adb737cd0a1807ac5c","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-7":{"id":"e6ab8ef52f3d4e8b8ac868affa8e50d3","floor":"5"},"mob-square-fixed-9":{"id":"bb244a8f3dcd4ce9a6dc10f703ec49b3","floor":"50"},"square-fixed-6":{"id":"2aac544603f648878aa881568d11cc09","floor":"5"},"leaderboardfooter-flex-2":{"id":"7c365e41079a42aaa31927e67c8da8e0","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-fixed-5":{"id":"06053e86f93941bda0b0f63ff74c4a36","floor":"20"},"square-fixed-5":{"id":"51cfda109b8746e9beef6c4e88481ac7","floor":"5"},"leaderboardfooter-flex-1":{"id":"0b11b76e67e74a2ebd92efb163f4194b","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-fixed-6":{"id":"814d9f6ea0a04d429c95152f1c83c42a","floor":"20"},"billboard":{"id":"c27504ff7166457ea12d0f4358d106ed","floor":"5"},"mob-square-fixed-1":{"id":"fd801e654fa44f5bbd341c9d9053cfdf","floor":"5"},"mob-square-fixed-2":{"id":"3e78f020556a47ba8c8fb5871b44e7f3","floor":"5"},"leaderboard":{"id":"08c6a6a889904e2781ba965da042d811","floor":"80"},"inline":{"id":"3d5b9b5843474c8c828a468e59265d37","floor":"5"},"square-fixed":{"id":"bab3683523e2411e99eb6ab43b2474af","floor":"5"},"leaderboardfooter":{"id":"0f753592739c47d1b45d66d7c441209b","floor":"20"},"dynamic-inline":{"id":"1fcee3f5892e4e1f8fd090836c51ed8e","floor":"50"},"square-fixed-9":{"id":"c85a0c059c444f8da27205fb620c12e5","floor":"5"},"mob-adhesive-banner-fixed":{"id":"1ae057445ee0474780904de1986d2af8","floor":"5"},"billboard11":{"id":"ae958d6ef4c24b51844f346b2417e7d7","floor":"5"},"primary":{"id":"ee7cd89f77d449f09425cff055e3b796","floor":"5"}}, utils: { generateSlotId: Ref.GPT.generateSlotId, buildGptUrl: Ref.GPT.buildGptUrl }, displayOnScroll: false, displayOnConsent: true, adsToCollapse: ['leaderboard*','square*'] }; if (Mntl.AdMetrics) { Mntl.AdMetrics.init("2699304", "n0613c324b0e84c25aa3036c13056655921", initialSlots.map(slot => slot.config.id), Date.now()); } else { Mntl.AdMetrics = { pushMetrics: () => {} }; } Mntl.GPT.setMantleDependencies(mantleDependencies); Mntl.GPT.init(options); }());window.MMads = window.MMads || {}; MMads.auctionFloors = MMads.auctionFloors || {}; MMads.auctionFloors.floorConfig = {"billboard2":{"id":"1552493e0f0844c9aa10ef73ad78a9e4","floor":"5"},"other":{"id":"ade0de584a2a422f99e934cd54b87d52","floor":"50"},"billboard6":{"id":"d9f82edf28e44244a1bb7117f42ac476","floor":"5"},"billboard5":{"id":"b340b93231954f2689e7025e2c0b4d18","floor":"5"},"billboard4":{"id":"7ad9ab485fa5443fa94ccc9bdca0a54c","floor":"5"},"billboard3":{"id":"f3f09dd3fe0147ca8227ab5458eebddb","floor":"5"},"billboard9":{"id":"488a3fee6fac46538f5e3ae6e51fe20e","floor":"5"},"billboard8":{"id":"f026d0eec2024513afe5b28e3319ac0f","floor":"5"},"billboardfooter2":{"id":"311073fb68e74727993cb054fe4430ac","floor":"50"},"broadmatch":{"id":"1bf596551eb9405a8d491ce078883cd4","floor":"5"},"billboard7":{"id":"8c88c6ba9f90426e800eff9dd8d0da96","floor":"5"},"leaderboardac":{"id":"1d2472433a85494c9501b140d9a1ad07","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-fixed":{"id":"449b24392f4b4c3a8285e203a64b2e6b","floor":"50"},"billboardfooter":{"id":"bd907afd733c48f185f70915ac74154a","floor":"20"},"leaderboardfooter2":{"id":"b4e76d3c1cf74c1ca3f12ec305e5d477","floor":"20"},"leaderboard-flex-1":{"id":"6330c0d82bd34adda20418fdc163d9a1","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-flex-2":{"id":"69272dabe35b4230a13938af298f75ff","floor":"5"},"square-flex-2":{"id":"c13704bf38e94252aa37db34edaddc9d","floor":"5"},"square-flex-1":{"id":"6fc33fe17f4747dfb36dfebf395636da","floor":"5"},"adhesive":{"id":"64de72640b214667bb8b9619b8b6a19d","floor":"25"},"square-fixed-4":{"id":"d52b7b6757414cb6a7d9885ff4c77b5d","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-3":{"id":"b57dc2458de54ebfac6f1f50477c6b45","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-2":{"id":"37febc1e4b1d446eab0c4fc4c075b0fd","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-fixed-1":{"id":"18efe8595dde4c02997da03ea354f7c0","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-1":{"id":"f35a56c653844a519beacc6324430144","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-8":{"id":"4854e3a5e1df46d6bfd2d35901766c07","floor":"5"},"mob-square-fixed-8":{"id":"f5dd53128a5f45f79b6c0e10ef184775","floor":"20"},"mob-square-flex-1":{"id":"21369d2b78ed46adb737cd0a1807ac5c","floor":"5"},"square-fixed-7":{"id":"e6ab8ef52f3d4e8b8ac868affa8e50d3","floor":"5"},"mob-square-fixed-9":{"id":"bb244a8f3dcd4ce9a6dc10f703ec49b3","floor":"50"},"square-fixed-6":{"id":"2aac544603f648878aa881568d11cc09","floor":"5"},"leaderboardfooter-flex-2":{"id":"7c365e41079a42aaa31927e67c8da8e0","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-fixed-5":{"id":"06053e86f93941bda0b0f63ff74c4a36","floor":"20"},"square-fixed-5":{"id":"51cfda109b8746e9beef6c4e88481ac7","floor":"5"},"leaderboardfooter-flex-1":{"id":"0b11b76e67e74a2ebd92efb163f4194b","floor":"5"},"leaderboard-fixed-6":{"id":"814d9f6ea0a04d429c95152f1c83c42a","floor":"20"},"billboard":{"id":"c27504ff7166457ea12d0f4358d106ed","floor":"5"},"mob-square-fixed-1":{"id":"fd801e654fa44f5bbd341c9d9053cfdf","floor":"5"},"mob-square-fixed-2":{"id":"3e78f020556a47ba8c8fb5871b44e7f3","floor":"5"},"leaderboard":{"id":"08c6a6a889904e2781ba965da042d811","floor":"80"},"inline":{"id":"3d5b9b5843474c8c828a468e59265d37","floor":"5"},"square-fixed":{"id":"bab3683523e2411e99eb6ab43b2474af","floor":"5"},"leaderboardfooter":{"id":"0f753592739c47d1b45d66d7c441209b","floor":"20"},"dynamic-inline":{"id":"1fcee3f5892e4e1f8fd090836c51ed8e","floor":"50"},"square-fixed-9":{"id":"c85a0c059c444f8da27205fb620c12e5","floor":"5"},"mob-adhesive-banner-fixed":{"id":"1ae057445ee0474780904de1986d2af8","floor":"5"},"billboard11":{"id":"ae958d6ef4c24b51844f346b2417e7d7","floor":"5"},"primary":{"id":"ee7cd89f77d449f09425cff055e3b796","floor":"5"}}; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; // moved from gtm.ftl so we can initialize GTM only onLoad. From https://support.google.com/tagmanager/answer/6103696?hl=en Mntl.utilities.onLoad(function() { (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;defer=true;j.src='//www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;j.type="text/javascript";f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f)})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-5P3SZGS'); }); window.dataLayer.push({ event: 'ab-proctor', 'abTests-proctor': { "99-0" : "useOxygen | useOxygen | use the Oxygenated ad unit format and slot names | 1" , "99-1" : "vanillaJSLazyAdRecipeSC | active | vanillaLazyAd.js enabled | 1" , "99-2" : "useFloorSearch | active | Use Floor Search | 1" , "99-3" : "continuousScrollMobSquareFlexOffset | active | Adds offset to mob-square-fixed-1 ad on CS articles | 1" , "99-4" : "recipescDesktopAdRefresh | active | active, right rail ads timed refresh active | 1" , "99-5" : "gamVideoUsePlcmt | active | Pass plcmt | 1" , "99-6" : "liveIntentConnectedIdTest | control | LiveIntent ConnectedID is enabled | 0" , "99-7" : "prebidConfigApi | active | Ad Config API is enabled | 1" , "99-8" : "prebidTotalTimeoutBudget | default | default | 1" , "99-9" : "useDynamicVideoSizes | active | active | 1" , "99-10" : "orion | active | Active | 1" , "99-11" : "rtbLibraryLoadTimeout | default | default | 1" , "99-12" : "prebidVideoUsePlcmt | active | Pass plcmt | 1" , "99-13" : "useLiveIntentSignedInUser | active | active | 1" , "55" : "relatedArticlesAlgorithm | useRecommendationService | Enables usage of proximity API | 1" , "99-15" : "removeAdTiers | active | active | 1" , "99-16" : "useLiveRamp | active | active | 1" , "99-17" : "amazonTamBidResponseTimeout | default | default | 1" , "77" : "fetchPriority | control | control | 0" } }); window.dataLayer.push({ envData: { environment: { environment: "k8s-prod", application: "reference", dataCenter: "us-west-1" }, server: { version: "4.43.0", title: "reference-launcher" }, client : { browserUA: navigator.userAgent, serverUA: "Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 7.0; Windows NT 6.0; SLCC1; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.0.04506; .NET CLR 3.5.21022; .NET CLR 1.0.3705; .NET CLR 1.1.4322)", deviceType: "pc", usStateCode: "" }, mantle: "4.0.860", commerce: "" } }); (function(fnUtils, CMP) { const deferLoadTime = 5000; const readyForThirdPartyTrackingEvent = new CustomEvent('readyForThirdPartyTracking', { bubbles: true }); const readyForThirdPartyTracking = fnUtils.once(function() { window.dataLayer.push({event: 'readyForThirdPartyTracking'}); window.dispatchEvent(readyForThirdPartyTrackingEvent); }); const readyForDeferredScriptsEvent = new CustomEvent('readyForDeferredScripts', { bubbles: true }); const readyForDeferredScripts = fnUtils.once(function() { window.dataLayer.push({event: 'readyForDeferredScripts'}); window.dispatchEvent(readyForDeferredScriptsEvent); }); const hasTargetingConsentHandler = function() { const hasConsent = CMP.hasTargetingConsent(); if (hasConsent) { readyForThirdPartyTracking(); } // Trigger the readyForDeferredScripts if consent is given // or if the user has closed the banner(AlertBox) which exists for EU // or if the user optin consent is not required, which applies for non gdpr locations if (hasConsent || CMP.isAlertBoxClosed() || !CMP.isOptInConsent()) { readyForDeferredScripts(); } return hasConsent; }; const purposeOneConsentHandler = async function() { const hasPurposeOneConsent = await CMP.hasPurposeOneConsent(); if (hasPurposeOneConsent) { readyForThirdPartyTracking(); } if (hasPurposeOneConsent || CMP.isAlertBoxClosed()) { readyForDeferredScripts(); } return hasPurposeOneConsent; }; const onRequiredDomEvent = fnUtils.once(function() { if (!CMP) { readyForThirdPartyTracking(); readyForDeferredScripts(); return; } const handler = CMP.supportsTCData() ? purposeOneConsentHandler : hasTargetingConsentHandler; if (!CMP.isLoading()) { handler(); } CMP.onConsentChange(handler); }); [ ['adRendered', onRequiredDomEvent], ['beforeunload', onRequiredDomEvent], ['load', function() { setTimeout(onRequiredDomEvent, deferLoadTime); }] ].forEach(function(event) { window.addEventListener(event[0], event[1], { once: true }); }); })(Mntl.fnUtilities || {}, Mntl.CMP);window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; (function() { var isContinuousScroll = document.querySelector('.mntl-continuous-scroll'); var pageViewDataAsJSON = {"country":"SG","description":"The quantum Zeno effect is a phenomenon in quantum physics. Here's how it works, its origins, and the meaning of anti-Zeno effect.","title":"Quantum Zeno Effect" || document.title || '',"viewType":"","authorId":"18797","documentId":2699304,"contentGroup":"Other","revenueGroup":"","templateName":"STRUCTUREDCONTENT","authorNames":"Andrew Zimmerman Jones","templateId":"110","muid":"30e659fb-5e98-4420-9a5c-e04c6b190aad","lastEditingAuthorId":"18797","lastEditingUserId":"151378030080892","fullUrl":"https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304" + location.hash,"experienceType":"single page","entryType":"direct","excludeFromComscore":false,"internalSessionId":"n0613c324b0e84c25aa3036c13056655921","internalRequestId":"n0613c324b0e84c25aa3036c13056655921","hid":"","experienceTypeName":"","recircDocIdsFooter":"S-2699356|S-2699370|S-2699353|S-2699258|S-2699357|S-2699355|S-2699361|S-2699279|S-2698801|S-2699186|S-2699037|S-2698856|S-2698883|S-2699378|S-2699221|S-2699359","euTrafficFlag":false,"isGoogleBot":false,"mantleVersion":"4.0.860","commerceVersion":"","primaryTaxonomyNames":"ThoughtCo|Science, Tech, Math|Science|Physics","primaryTaxonomyIds":"4122478|4132465|4132464|4133571"}; var scrolledPageData = {}; var scrolledDocOrdinal; var scrolledPage; pageViewDataAsJSON.breakpointName = Ref.utilities.getW(); pageViewDataAsJSON.bounceExchangeId = 2473; if (isContinuousScroll) { pageViewDataAsJSON.experienceTypeName = 'continuous'; if (window.dataLayer && window.dataLayer.length) { //loop through events and collect previous scrolledDocOrdinal and scrolledPage values scrolledPageData = window.dataLayer.reduce( (acc, curr) => { if (curr.event == 'unifiedPageview') { acc.scrolledDocOrdinal = acc.scrolledDocOrdinal ? acc.scrolledDocOrdinal + 1 : 1; acc.scrolledPage = acc.scrolledPage ? acc.scrolledPage + " | " + (curr.documentId).toString() : (curr.documentId).toString(); } return acc; }, {}); } scrolledPage = scrolledPageData.scrolledPage ? scrolledPageData.scrolledPage + ' | ' + (pageViewDataAsJSON.documentId).toString() : (pageViewDataAsJSON.documentId).toString(); scrolledDocOrdinal = scrolledPageData.scrolledDocOrdinal ? scrolledPageData.scrolledDocOrdinal + 1 : 1; pageViewDataAsJSON.scrolledPage = scrolledPage; pageViewDataAsJSON.scrolledDocOrdinal = scrolledDocOrdinal; } Mntl.utilities.onLoad(function() { var isRecirc = false && document.querySelector('.mntl-recirc-section, .related-article-list, .masonry-list-section'); if (false && !isRecirc) { pageViewDataAsJSON.recircDocIdsFooter = ""; } Mntl.PageView.init(pageViewDataAsJSON); }); })();</script> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="/favicon.ico"> <link rel="icon" type="image/x-icon" href="/favicon.ico"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="57x57" href="/apple-touch-icon-57x57.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="60x60" href="/apple-touch-icon-60x60.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="76x76" href="/apple-touch-icon-76x76.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="120x120" href="/apple-touch-icon-120x120.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="152x152" href="/apple-touch-icon-152x152.png"> <link rel="apple-touch-icon-precomposed" sizes="180x180" href="/apple-touch-icon-180x180.png"> <meta name="msapplication-TileColor" content="#F4F4F4"/> <meta name="msapplication-TileImage" content="/static/4.43.0/icons/favicons/mstile-144x144.png"> <meta name="msapplication-square70x70logo" content="/static/4.43.0/icons/favicons/mstile-70x70.png"> <meta name="msapplication-square150x150logo" content="/static/4.43.0/icons/favicons/mstile-150x150.png"> <meta name="msapplication-square310x310logo" content="/static/4.43.0/icons/favicons/mstile-310x310.png"> <meta name="msapplication-wide310x150logo" content="/static/4.43.0/icons/favicons/mstile-310x150.png"> <div id="ie-notification-banner_1-0" class="comp ie-notification-banner mntl-block"><div id="ie-notification-banner__content_1-0" class="comp ie-notification-banner__content mntl-block" data-tracking-container="true"><svg class="icon icon-alert ie-notification-banner__icon-alert" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-alert" href="#icon-alert"></use> </svg> <div id="ie-notification-banner__text-container_1-0" class="comp ie-notification-banner__text-container mntl-block"><span id="ie-notification-banner__text--bold_1-0" class="comp ie-notification-banner__text--bold mntl-text-block">Your web browser (Internet Explorer 7) is out of date. </span> <span id="ie-notification-banner__text_1-0" class="comp ie-notification-banner__text mntl-text-block">Update your browser for more security, speed, and the best experience on this site.</span></div> <a href="https://www.google.com/chrome" target="_blank" rel="noopener nocaes" id="ie-notification-banner__btn-update_1-0" class="ie-notification-banner__btn-update mntl-text-link ie-notification-banner__btn" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Update Browser</span></a> <button id="ie-notification-banner__btn-close_1-0" class="comp ie-notification-banner__btn-close mntl-button ie-js-banner-dismiss ie-notification-banner__btn"> Ignore </button></div></div> <script id="schema-unified_1-0" class="comp schema-unified mntl-schema-unified" type="application/ld+json">[ { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": ["Article"] ,"headline": "Quantum Zeno Effect" ,"datePublished": "2012-10-30T22:34:11.000-04:00" ,"dateModified": "2019-02-23T04:10:22.527-05:00" ,"author": [ {"@type": "Person" ,"name": "Andrew Zimmerman Jones" ,"url": "https://www.thoughtco.com/andrew-zimmerman-jones-2698607" } ] ,"description": "The quantum Zeno effect is a phenomenon in quantum physics. Here's how it works, its origins, and the meaning of anti-Zeno effect." ,"image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/oovH309UwY0jbN3_H5T6jXSv8F0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-water-boiling-in-teapot-562817171-5810e69c3df78c2c73075972.jpg", "height": 1089, "width": 1500 } ,"publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "ThoughtCo", "url": "https://www.thoughtco.com", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/ruwsr0VaZ-mxBD_vXVdKmhL0sjY=/250x60/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/TC_schema_logo_250x60-59af144bd088c00010d45b5f.png", "width": 250, "height": 60 }, "brand": "ThoughtCo" , "publishingPrinciples": "https://www.thoughtco.com/about-us-4779650#toc-editorial-guidelines" , "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom", "https://www.flipboard.com/@thoughtco" ] } ,"mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": ["WebPage"] ,"@id": "https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304" ,"breadcrumb": { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": { "@id": "https://www.thoughtco.com/sciences-math-4132465", "name": "Science, Tech, Math" } } , { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": { "@id": "https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464", "name": "Science" } } , { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": { "@id": "https://www.thoughtco.com/physics-4133571", "name": "Physics" } } ] }} } ]</script> </head><body>  <svg class="mntl-svg-resource is-hidden"> <defs> <symbol id="icon-alert"> <svg width="30" height="29" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M13.2522 4.38081C14.077 2.92054 16.1389 2.92054 16.9637 4.38081L26.7065 21.6302C27.5313 23.0905 26.5003 24.9158 24.8507 24.9158H5.36517C3.7156 24.9158 2.68462 23.0905 3.5094 21.6302L13.2522 4.38081Z" fill="#fff"/><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M19.6063 2.76459L29.2795 20.1815C31.3267 23.8676 28.7677 28.4753 24.6732 28.4753H5.32681C1.23233 28.4753 -1.32671 23.8676 0.720529 20.1815L10.3937 2.76459C12.441 -0.921533 17.559 -0.921526 19.6063 2.76459ZM16.8425 4.42334C16.0236 2.94889 13.9764 2.94889 13.1575 4.42334L3.4843 21.8402C2.6654 23.3147 3.68902 25.1577 5.32681 25.1577H24.6732C26.311 25.1577 27.3346 23.3147 26.5157 21.8402L16.8425 4.42334Z" fill="#C00"/><path d="M13.8863 18.8426L12.8572 11.2V7.66641H17.1429V11.2L16.1279 18.8426H13.8863ZM13.0264 22.9992V20.1106H16.9878V22.9992H13.0264Z" fill="#222"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-menu"> <svg viewBox="0 0 21 25" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M2 21.5C2 20.6716 2.67157 20 3.5 20H17.5C18.3284 20 19 20.6716 19 21.5C19 22.3284 18.3284 23 17.5 23H3.5C2.67157 23 2 22.3284 2 21.5Z" fill="#DCD8A0"/><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M3.5 18H17.5C19.433 18 21 19.567 21 21.5C21 23.433 19.433 25 17.5 25H3.5C1.567 25 0 23.433 0 21.5C0 19.567 1.567 18 3.5 18ZM3.5 20C2.67157 20 2 20.6716 2 21.5C2 22.3284 2.67157 23 3.5 23H17.5C18.3284 23 19 22.3284 19 21.5C19 20.6716 18.3284 20 17.5 20H3.5Z" fill="#333"/><path d="M2 12.5C2 11.6716 2.67157 11 3.5 11H17.5C18.3284 11 19 11.6716 19 12.5C19 13.3284 18.3284 14 17.5 14H3.5C2.67157 14 2 13.3284 2 12.5Z" fill="#DCD8A0"/><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M3.5 9H17.5C19.433 9 21 10.567 21 12.5C21 14.433 19.433 16 17.5 16H3.5C1.567 16 0 14.433 0 12.5C0 10.567 1.567 9 3.5 9ZM3.5 11C2.67157 11 2 11.6716 2 12.5C2 13.3284 2.67157 14 3.5 14H17.5C18.3284 14 19 13.3284 19 12.5C19 11.6716 18.3284 11 17.5 11H3.5Z" fill="#333"/><path d="M2 3.5C2 2.67157 2.67157 2 3.5 2H17.5C18.3284 2 19 2.67157 19 3.5C19 4.32843 18.3284 5 17.5 5H3.5C2.67157 5 2 4.32843 2 3.5Z" fill="#DCD8A0"/><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M3.5 0H17.5C19.433 0 21 1.567 21 3.5C21 5.433 19.433 7 17.5 7H3.5C1.567 7 0 5.433 0 3.5C0 1.567 1.567 0 3.5 0ZM3.5 2C2.67157 2 2 2.67157 2 3.5C2 4.32843 2.67157 5 3.5 5H17.5C18.3284 5 19 4.32843 19 3.5C19 2.67157 18.3284 2 17.5 2H3.5Z" fill="#333"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-close"> <svg viewBox="0 0 21 21" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M2.43934 15.8744C1.85355 16.4602 1.85355 17.4099 2.43934 17.9957C3.02513 18.5815 3.97487 18.5815 4.56066 17.9957L10.2175 12.3388L15.8744 17.9957C16.4602 18.5815 17.4099 18.5815 17.9957 17.9957C18.5815 17.4099 18.5815 16.4602 17.9957 15.8744L12.3388 10.2175L17.9957 4.56066C18.5815 3.97487 18.5815 3.02513 17.9957 2.43934C17.4099 1.85355 16.4602 1.85355 15.8744 2.43934L10.2175 8.09619L4.56066 2.43934C3.97488 1.85355 3.02513 1.85355 2.43934 2.43934C1.85356 3.02513 1.85356 3.97487 2.43934 4.56066L8.0962 10.2175L2.43934 15.8744Z" fill="#DCD8A0"/><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M1.02513 14.4602L5.26777 10.2175L1.02513 5.97487C-0.341705 4.60804 -0.341705 2.39196 1.02513 1.02513C2.39196 -0.341708 4.60804 -0.341709 5.97488 1.02513L10.2175 5.26776L14.4602 1.02513C15.827 -0.341708 18.0431 -0.341708 19.4099 1.02513C20.7767 2.39196 20.7767 4.60804 19.4099 5.97487L15.1673 10.2175L19.4099 14.4602C20.7767 15.827 20.7767 18.0431 19.4099 19.4099C18.0431 20.7767 15.827 20.7767 14.4602 19.4099L10.2175 15.1673L5.97487 19.4099C4.60804 20.7767 2.39196 20.7767 1.02513 19.4099C-0.341709 18.0431 -0.341708 15.827 1.02513 14.4602ZM10.2175 12.3388L15.8744 17.9957C16.4602 18.5815 17.4099 18.5815 17.9957 17.9957C18.5815 17.4099 18.5815 16.4602 17.9957 15.8744L12.3388 10.2175L17.9957 4.56066C18.5815 3.97487 18.5815 3.02513 17.9957 2.43934C17.4099 1.85355 16.4602 1.85355 15.8744 2.43934L10.2175 8.09619L4.56066 2.43934C3.97488 1.85355 3.02513 1.85355 2.43934 2.43934C1.85356 3.02513 1.85356 3.97487 2.43934 4.56066L8.0962 10.2175L2.43934 15.8744C1.85355 16.4602 1.85355 17.4099 2.43934 17.9957C3.02513 18.5815 3.97487 18.5815 4.56066 17.9957L10.2175 12.3388Z" fill="#333"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-logo"> <svg version="1.1" class="logo-img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" x="0" y="0" viewBox="-169.7 -50 913.8 182.2" xml:space="preserve"><g class="logo-thought"><path d="M506.9 63.3c-1.7.4-5 1-8.7 1-6.1 0-8.1-1-10.6-3.9-2.1-2.5-2.1-6.6-2.1-12.4V12.6H507v-21h-12.1v0h-9.3v-25.8l-24.9-.1v25.9l-12 0 0 20.9h12v32.7c0 13.2 2.4 21.2 6.9 27.7 6.8 9.8 17.2 13.4 32.1 13.4 3.8 0 9.3-.8 12.5-1.9L506.9 63.3zM-73.1-49.6v23h-35.4v111h-25.8v-111h-35.4v-23H-73.1zM-35.5 84.4h-24.9V-50h24.9v48.2c6.9-5.4 15.7-8.6 25.3-8.6 12.8 0 24.5 5.7 32.1 14.9 6.1 7.3 9.6 16.6 9.6 32.5v47.3H6.6V35.2c0-9.2-2.1-14-5.6-17.4-3.3-3.3-8.2-5.2-14-5.2-10.5 0-19.1 6.7-22.6 11.5V84.4zM88.6-10.3c28.1 0 49.4 21.6 49.4 48.4 0 26.8-21.2 48.2-49.4 48.2S39.2 64.9 39.2 38.1C39.2 11.3 60.4-10.3 88.6-10.3zM88.6 63.3c14.5 0 24.5-11.3 24.5-25.3s-9.9-25.4-24.5-25.4c-14.5 0-24.5 11.5-24.5 25.4S74 63.3 88.6 63.3zM235.1-8.4v92.8h-23.9v-7.5c-7.3 6.5-16.1 9.4-25.1 9.4-12.8 0-24.3-5.9-31.6-14.9-5.9-7.3-9.4-16.8-9.4-30.6V-8.4h24.9v50.1c0 8.4 1.7 12.6 4.6 15.9 3.8 4.2 9.2 5.7 14 5.7 10.5 0 18.2-7.1 21.6-11.5V-8.4H235.1zM340.3 79.2c0 16.6-2.9 26.6-8.4 34.4-8.4 11.7-23.3 18.6-41.1 18.6-18.2 0-35.4-8.4-44.6-19.1l15.7-16.3c5 5.4 13.6 13.4 28.9 13.4 8 0 14.7-2.5 18.9-7.5 3.8-4.2 5.7-9.9 5.7-21.8v-3.1c-7.5 5.7-15.5 8.4-24.9 8.4-13.8 0-27-6.1-35.2-15.7-7.3-8.4-11.7-19.9-11.7-32.5 0-27.4 20.3-48.4 45.5-48.4 10.5 0 19.9 3.4 27.2 9.4v-7.5h23.9V79.2zM315.4 24.1c-5.2-6.9-13.4-11.5-23-11.5-14.5 0-23.9 12.1-23.9 25.4 0 14.5 10.5 25.3 24.5 25.3 9.4 0 17.6-4.6 22.4-11.5V24.1zM378.3 84.4h-24.9V-50h24.9v48.2c6.9-5.4 15.7-8.6 25.3-8.6 12.8 0 24.5 5.7 32.1 14.9 6.1 7.3 9.6 16.6 9.6 32.5v47.3h-24.9V35.2c0-9.2-2.1-14-5.6-17.4-3.3-3.3-8.2-5.2-14-5.2-10.5 0-19.1 6.7-22.6 11.5V84.4z"/><g class="logo-co" fill="#BEAB72"><path d="M590 67c-25.8 0-45.7-19.9-45.7-45.9 0-25.4 19.1-45.9 44.6-45.9 13.2 0 24.5 5.7 32.5 13.8l16.6-17.6c-12.1-11.7-29.1-19.1-49-19.1-41.7 0-70.6 30.4-70.6 68.9s29.3 68.9 71 68.9c15 0 28.3-4 39.1-10.5-5-6.2-8.4-13.6-10-21.8C611.2 63.3 601.7 67 590 67zM742.2 67.5c-1.2-2.1-2.9-3.8-5.1-5-2.2-1.2-4.5-1.8-6.9-1.8-3.4 0-6.4 1.2-9 3.5-3 2.7-4.5 6.1-4.5 10.2 0 3.8 1.3 7 4 9.7 2.6 2.7 5.8 4 9.6 4 2.5 0 4.9-.6 7-1.8 2.1-1.2 3.8-2.9 5-5 1.2-2.1 1.8-4.4 1.8-6.9C744 71.8 743.4 69.6 742.2 67.5z"/><path d="M669.8,5.1c-24.7,0-43.3,19-43.3,42.5c0,1.2,0.1,2.4,0.2,3.6c0.7,9,4.2,17.1,9.7,23.6c7.8,9.3,19.7,15.1,33.5,15.1 c24.7,0,43.3-18.8,43.3-42.3C713.1,24.1,694.4,5.1,669.8,5.1z M670.3,70.4c-7.1,0-13.1-3-16.9-8c-3.2-3.9-5.1-9-5.1-14.7 c0-12.3,8.7-22.3,21.5-22.3c6.5,0,11.9,2.6,15.7,6.7c3.9,4,6.3,9.7,6.3,16.1C691.7,61,682.7,70.4,670.3,70.4z"/></g></g></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-search"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 29 34"><path d="M5.04807 30.5496C6.15292 31.1875 7.5657 30.8089 8.20358 29.7041L13.6111 20.338C14.249 19.2332 13.8704 17.8204 12.7656 17.1825L12.7179 17.155C11.6131 16.5171 10.2003 16.8957 9.56242 18.0005L4.15492 27.3666C3.51703 28.4714 3.89558 29.8842 5.00043 30.5221L5.04807 30.5496Z" fill="#DCD8A0" stroke="#333" stroke-width="2"/><path d="M9.88244 22.8385C5.33866 20.2151 3.78184 14.405 6.4052 9.86122C9.02855 5.31744 14.8387 3.76062 19.3824 6.38397C23.9262 9.00733 25.483 14.8174 22.8597 19.3612C20.2363 23.905 14.4262 25.4618 9.88244 22.8385Z" stroke="#333" stroke-width="2"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-caret-down"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 14 14"><path fill-rule="evenodd" clip-rule="evenodd" d="M7.77819 12.3744C7.1924 12.9602 6.24266 12.9602 5.65687 12.3744L1.44243e-05 6.71751L2.12133 4.59619L6.71753 9.19239L11.3137 4.59619L13.435 6.71751L7.77819 12.3744Z" fill="#DE2229"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-facebook"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 43.8 34"><path d="M22.4,30.1V18.9h3.7l0.6-4.4h-4.3v-2.8c0-1.3,0.3-2.1,2.2-2.1h2.3V5.8c-0.4-0.1-1.8-0.2-3.4-0.2c-3.3,0-5.6,2-5.6,5.7v3.2h-3.8v4.4h3.8v11.2L22.4,30.1L22.4,30.1z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-flipboard"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="240.4 241 17.3 17.3"><path d="M252 241 246.2 241 240.4 241 240.4 246.7 240.4 252.5 240.4 258.3 246.2 258.3 246.2 252.6 251.9 252.6 251.9 246.8 257.7 246.8 257.7 241z"/><path d="M252 241 246.2 241 246.2 246.8 252 246.8 257.7 246.8 257.7 241zM246.2 246.8H252V252.60000000000002H246.2z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-instagram"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" x="0" y="0" viewBox="0 0 43.8 34" xml:space="preserve"><path d="M21.8,8.5c2.9,0,3.2,0,4.4,0.1c1.1,0,1.6,0.2,2,0.4c0.5,0.2,0.9,0.4,1.2,0.8c0.4,0.4,0.6,0.7,0.8,1.2c0.1,0.4,0.3,1,0.4,2c0.1,1.1,0.1,1.5,0.1,4.4s0,3.2-0.1,4.4c0,1.1-0.2,1.6-0.4,2c-0.2,0.5-0.4,0.9-0.8,1.2c-0.4,0.4-0.7,0.6-1.2,0.8c-0.4,0.1-1,0.3-2,0.4c-1.1,0.1-1.5,0.1-4.4,0.1s-3.2,0-4.4-0.1c-1.1,0-1.6-0.2-2-0.4c-0.5-0.2-0.9-0.4-1.2-0.8c-0.4-0.4-0.6-0.7-0.8-1.2c-0.1-0.4-0.3-1-0.4-2c-0.1-1.1-0.1-1.5-0.1-4.4s0-3.2,0.1-4.4c0-1.1,0.2-1.6,0.4-2c0.2-0.5,0.4-0.9,0.8-1.2c0.4-0.4,0.7-0.6,1.2-0.8c0.4-0.1,1-0.3,2-0.4C18.6,8.5,18.9,8.5,21.8,8.5 M21.8,6.6c-2.9,0-3.3,0-4.5,0.1c-1.2,0.1-1.9,0.2-2.6,0.5c-0.7,0.3-1.3,0.6-1.9,1.2c-0.6,0.6-1,1.2-1.2,1.9c-0.3,0.7-0.4,1.5-0.5,2.6C11,14.1,11,14.4,11,17.4c0,2.9,0,3.3,0.1,4.5c0.1,1.2,0.2,1.9,0.5,2.6c0.3,0.7,0.6,1.3,1.2,1.9c0.6,0.6,1.2,1,1.9,1.2c0.7,0.3,1.5,0.4,2.6,0.5c1.2,0.1,1.5,0.1,4.5,0.1s3.3,0,4.5-0.1c1.2-0.1,1.9-0.2,2.6-0.5c0.7-0.3,1.3-0.6,1.9-1.2c0.6-0.6,1-1.2,1.2-1.9c0.3-0.7,0.4-1.5,0.5-2.6c0.1-1.2,0.1-1.5,0.1-4.5s0-3.3-0.1-4.5c-0.1-1.2-0.2-1.9-0.5-2.6c-0.3-0.7-0.6-1.3-1.2-1.9c-0.6-0.6-1.2-1-1.9-1.2c-0.7-0.3-1.5-0.4-2.6-0.5C25.1,6.6,24.7,6.6,21.8,6.6L21.8,6.6z"/><path d="M21.8,11.8c-3.1,0-5.5,2.5-5.5,5.5s2.5,5.5,5.5,5.5s5.5-2.5,5.5-5.5S24.9,11.8,21.8,11.8zM21.8,21c-2,0-3.6-1.6-3.6-3.6s1.6-3.6,3.6-3.6s3.6,1.6,3.6,3.6S23.8,21,21.8,21z"/><circle cx="27.6" cy="11.6" r="1.3"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-linkedin"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 41.8 41.8"><path d="M12.2 18.2h3.9v12.7h-3.9V18.2zm1.9-6.3c1.3 0 2.3 1 2.3 2.3s-1 2.3-2.3 2.3-2.3-1-2.3-2.3c0-1.3 1.1-2.3 2.3-2.3M18.6 18.2h3.8v1.7h.1c.8-1.3 2.2-2.1 3.7-2 4 0 4.7 2.6 4.7 6v7H27v-6.2c0-1.5 0-3.4-2-3.4s-2.3 1.6-2.3 3.2v6.3h-3.9l-.2-12.6z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-pinterest"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="-1217.8 0 640 480"><path d="M-888.5,96c-77.6,0-120,52.2-120,108.7c0,26.8,14.1,59.3,36.7,70.6c2.8,1.4,5.6,1.4,5.6-2.8c0-2.8,4.2-14.1,5.6-21.2c0-1.4,0-2.8-1.4-5.6c-7.1-8.5-14.1-25.4-14.1-40.9c0-39.5,29.6-79.1,81.9-79.1c43.8,0,74.8,29.6,74.8,73.4c0,49.4-24,83.3-56.5,83.3c-18.4,0-31.1-14.1-26.8-32.5c5.6-21.2,15.5-45.2,15.5-60.7c0-14.1-7.1-25.4-22.6-25.4c-18.4,0-32.5,18.4-32.5,43.8c0,15.5,5.6,26.8,5.6,26.8s-18.4,76.2-21.2,90.4c-5.6,24,1.4,62.1,1.4,66.4c0,1.4,2.8,2.8,2.8,1.4c1.4-2.8,24-35.3,29.6-57.9c2.8-8.5,11.3-42.4,11.3-42.4c5.6,11.3,22.6,21.2,40.9,21.2c55.1,0,93.2-50.8,93.2-112.9C-776.9,141.2-824.9,96-888.5,96z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-x"> <svg viewBox="0 0 24 24" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M13.6468 10.4686L20.9321 2H19.2057L12.8799 9.3532L7.82741 2H2L9.6403 13.1193L2 22H3.72649L10.4068 14.2348L15.7425 22H21.57L13.6468 10.4686ZM11.2821 13.2173L10.508 12.1101L4.34857 3.29968H7.00037L11.9711 10.4099L12.7452 11.5172L19.2066 20.7594H16.5548L11.2821 13.2173Z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-privacy-options"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 30 14"><path fill="#FFF" d="M7.4 12.8h6.8l3.1-11.6H7.4C4.2 1.2 1.6 3.8 1.6 7s2.6 5.8 5.8 5.8z"/><path fill="#06f" d="M22.6 0H7.4c-3.9 0-7 3.1-7 7s3.1 7 7 7h15.2c3.9 0 7-3.1 7-7s-3.2-7-7-7zm-21 7c0-3.2 2.6-5.8 5.8-5.8h9.9l-3.1 11.6H7.4c-3.2 0-5.8-2.6-5.8-5.8z"/><path fill="#FFF" d="M24.6 4c.2.2.2.6 0 .8L22.5 7l2.2 2.2c.2.2.2.6 0 .8-.2.2-.6.2-.8 0l-2.2-2.2-2.2 2.2c-.2.2-.6.2-.8 0-.2-.2-.2-.6 0-.8L20.8 7l-2.2-2.2c-.2-.2-.2-.6 0-.8.2-.2.6-.2.8 0l2.2 2.2L23.8 4c.2-.2.6-.2.8 0z"/><path fill="#06f" d="M12.7 4.1c.2.2.3.6.1.8L8.6 9.8c-.1.1-.2.2-.3.2-.2.1-.5.1-.7-.1L5.4 7.7c-.2-.2-.2-.6 0-.8.2-.2.6-.2.8 0L8 8.6l3.8-4.5c.2-.2.6-.2.9 0z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="mntl-dotdash-universal-nav__logo"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="5 2.8 290 69"><circle cx="39.6" cy="37.4" r="34.3" fill="#f44b34"/><path fill="#fff" d="M50.4 17.9c-1.7-1.8-4-2.6-7-2.6-9.1-.1-12.4-.1-13.2-.1L27.3 22h8.1L30 28v21h-.1l.1.1v6.7l-3.6 4h18.5L53 51V25c0-.1.1-4.3-2.6-7.1zm-5.2 19.6-7.4 7.8V41l7.4-7.8v4.3zm-7.4-15.4h3c.9 0 2.1-.1 3.1.9s1.4 2.5 1.4 4.9v3.6l-7.4 7.8-.1-17.2zm-4.9 30.1 3.3-3.6 9-9.5v13.1c0 .1-12.3.1-12.3 0z"/><path fill="#009ad9" d="m99.645 22.637 6.505-6.506 4.172 4.172-6.505 6.506zM121 44l4.2 4.2 6.5-6.5-4.2-4.2zm-3.2-31.2c1.8-1.8 4.7-1.8 6.5 0 1.9 1.9 1.7 4.8 0 6.5l-3.3 3.3 4.2 4.2 3.3-3.3c2-2 4.9-1.6 6.5 0 2 2 1.6 4.9 0 6.5l-3.3 3.3 4.2 4.2 3.3-3.3c4.2-4.2 4-10.8 0-14.8-2.8-2.8-6.1-3.1-7.6-3.1.1-1.5-.3-4.8-3.1-7.6-3.9-3.9-10.6-4.2-14.8 0l-3.3 3.3 4.2 4.2 3.2-3.4zm-7.5 20.6 4.2 4.1L121 31l-4.2-4.1-6.5 6.5z"/><path fill="#6ebd44" d="m99.6 52.4 6.6 6.5 4.1-4.2-6.5-6.5zm36.3-14.9-4.2 4.2L135 45c1.6 1.6 2 4.5 0 6.5-1.6 1.6-4.5 2.1-6.5 0l-3.3-3.3-4.2 4.2 3.3 3.3c1.7 1.7 1.9 4.6 0 6.5-1.8 1.8-4.7 1.8-6.5 0l-3.3-3.3-4.2 4.2 3.3 3.3c4.2 4.2 10.9 3.9 14.8 0 2.8-2.8 3.1-6.1 3.1-7.6 1.5 0 4.8-.3 7.6-3.1 4-4 4.2-10.6 0-14.8l-3.2-3.4zm-25.6 4.2 6.5 6.5L121 44l-6.5-6.5zm14.9-14.8L121 31l6.5 6.5 4.2-4.1-6.5-6.5z"/><path fill="#f68f1e" d="m110.332 54.607 6.506-6.506 4.172 4.172-6.506 6.505zM102.8 62.2c-1.6 1.6-4.5 2-6.5 0-1.6-1.6-2.1-4.5 0-6.5l3.3-3.3-4.2-4.2-3.3 3.3c-1.7 1.7-4.6 1.9-6.5 0-1.8-1.8-1.8-4.7 0-6.5l3.3-3.3-4.2-4.2-3.3 3.3c-4.2 4.2-3.9 10.9 0 14.8 2.8 2.8 6.1 3.1 7.6 3.1 0 1.5.3 4.8 3.1 7.6 4 4 10.6 4.2 14.8 0l3.3-3.3-4.2-4.2-3.2 3.4zm3.4-24.7L99.6 44l4.2 4.2 6.5-6.5zM95.5 26.9 89 33.4l4.1 4.1 6.5-6.5z"/><path fill="#ec174c" d="m99.6 44-6.5-6.5-4.1 4.2 6.5 6.5zm-14-14c-1.8-1.8-1.8-4.7 0-6.5 1.9-1.9 4.8-1.7 6.5 0l3.3 3.3 4.2-4.2-3.3-3.3c-2-2-1.6-4.9 0-6.5 2-2 4.9-1.6 6.5 0l3.3 3.3 4.2-4.2-3.3-3.2c-4.2-4.2-10.8-4-14.8 0-2.8 2.8-3.1 6.1-3.1 7.6-1.5-.1-4.9.3-7.6 3.1-3.9 3.9-4.2 10.6 0 14.8l3.3 3.3 4.2-4.2-3.4-3.3zm24.73-9.682 4.172-4.172 6.505 6.505-4.172 4.172zM106.2 37.5l4.1-4.1-6.5-6.5-4.2 4.1 6.6 6.5z"/><path fill="#573357" d="m106.142 16.042 4.171-4.172 4.172 4.172-4.171 4.172z"/><path fill="#be272d" d="m84.81 37.543 4.172-4.172 4.172 4.172-4.172 4.172z"/><path fill="#008e4c" d="m127.497 37.555 4.171-4.172 4.172 4.172-4.171 4.172z"/><path fill="#7a773e" d="m106.172 58.866 4.172-4.172 4.172 4.172-4.172 4.172z"/><path fill="#443639" d="m116.856 26.74 4.172-4.172 4.172 4.172-4.172 4.172z"/><path fill="#803136" d="m95.455 48.169 4.172-4.172 4.172 4.172-4.172 4.172z"/><path fill="#593438" d="m95.446 26.753 4.172-4.172 4.172 4.173-4.172 4.171z"/><path fill="#443639" d="m106.155 37.456 4.172-4.172 4.172 4.171-4.172 4.172z"/><path fill="#2a6442" d="m116.871 48.153 4.172-4.172 4.172 4.172-4.172 4.172z"/><path d="M170.4 13.5c-2.5-2.2-5.7-3.3-9.6-3.3h-7.2v23.6h7.6c3.8 0 7-1.1 9.4-3.3s3.6-5 3.6-8.5-1.3-6.3-3.8-8.5zm.1 8.5c0 2.6-.9 4.7-2.6 6.2-1.7 1.6-4.1 2.3-7 2.3h-3.8V13.4h3.8c2.9 0 5.2.8 7 2.3 1.7 1.5 2.6 3.7 2.6 6.3zm14.6-6.3c-2.5 0-4.7.9-6.4 2.7s-2.6 4-2.6 6.6.9 4.8 2.6 6.6c1.7 1.8 3.9 2.7 6.4 2.7h.1v-.1c2.5 0 4.7-.9 6.4-2.7s2.6-4 2.6-6.6c0-2.5-.9-4.8-2.6-6.6-1.8-1.7-3.9-2.6-6.5-2.6zm4.1 13.7c-.5.6-1.1 1-1.8 1.3s-1.4.3-2.2.3c-1.7 0-3-.6-4.1-1.8-1.1-1.2-1.6-2.7-1.6-4.4 0-1.7.6-3.2 1.6-4.3 1.1-1.2 2.4-1.7 4.1-1.7 1.6 0 3 .6 4 1.7 1.1 1.2 1.6 2.6 1.6 4.3 0 1.9-.5 3.4-1.6 4.6zm16.9.8c-.5.6-1.3.9-2.3.9-1.6 0-2.4-.9-2.4-2.7v-9.2h5v-3h-5v-4.4h-3.3v4.4h-2.9l.1 3h2.9v9.3c0 1.9.5 3.3 1.4 4.3s2.2 1.5 3.9 1.5c1.8 0 3.2-.5 4.2-1.5l-1.6-2.6zm38.1-11.6c-1.5-2-3.5-3-6.1-3-2.5 0-4.5.9-6.1 2.7-1.6 1.8-2.4 4-2.4 6.6 0 2.7.8 4.9 2.5 6.6 1.7 1.8 3.7 2.7 6.1 2.7 2.6 0 4.6-1 6.1-3.1v2.6h3.4V16.1h-3.4v2.5h-.1zm-1.6 2c1.1 1.2 1.6 2.6 1.6 4.3s-.5 3.2-1.6 4.4c-.5.6-1.1 1-1.8 1.3s-1.4.4-2.2.4c-1.7 0-3-.6-4.1-1.8-1.1-1.2-1.6-2.7-1.6-4.4 0-1.7.6-3.2 1.6-4.3 1.1-1.2 2.4-1.7 4.1-1.7 1.6.1 2.9.6 4 1.8zm17.9 3.6c-.9-.3-1.9-.6-3-.9-1-.3-1.9-.6-2.5-1-.7-.4-1-1-1-1.6l.1-.1c0-.7.3-1.2.9-1.6.6-.4 1.4-.6 2.3-.6 2 0 3.4.7 4.5 2l2-2c-1.3-1.8-3.5-2.7-6.6-2.7-1.9 0-3.5.5-4.7 1.4-1.2 1-1.7 2.1-1.7 3.5 0 1.2.3 2.1 1 2.9s1.5 1.3 2.6 1.7c1.1.4 2 .7 2.9 1 1 .3 1.8.7 2.4 1.1.7.5 1 1 1 1.8s-.3 1.4-.9 1.8c-.6.5-1.4.7-2.5.7-2.3 0-4.1-.8-5.3-2.3l-2 2.2c1.5 1.9 3.9 2.9 7.1 2.9 2.2 0 3.9-.5 5.1-1.5s1.8-2.3 1.8-3.8c0-1.2-.3-2.2-1-3-.6-.9-1.5-1.4-2.5-1.9zm14.9-8.6c-2.3 0-4.1.8-5.2 2.5V8.4h-3.4v25.4h3.4l.1-10.3c0-1.4.4-2.6 1.2-3.4.8-.8 1.8-1.2 3.2-1.2 1.3 0 2.4.4 3.2 1.3.8.8 1.2 2 1.2 3.4v10.3h3.4V23c0-2.3-.6-4-1.9-5.4-1.4-1.4-3.1-2-5.2-2zm-52.2 3c-1.5-2-3.5-3-6.1-3-2.5 0-4.5.9-6.1 2.7-1.6 1.8-2.4 4-2.4 6.6 0 2.7.8 4.9 2.5 6.6 1.7 1.8 3.7 2.7 6.1 2.7 2.6 0 4.6-1 6.1-3.1v2.6h3.4V8.4h-3.4v10.2h-.1zm-1.6 2c1.1 1.2 1.6 2.6 1.6 4.3s-.5 3.2-1.6 4.4c-1.1 1.2-2.4 1.8-4 1.8-1.7 0-3-.6-4.1-1.8-1.1-1.2-1.6-2.7-1.6-4.4 0-1.7.6-3.2 1.6-4.3 1.1-1.2 2.4-1.7 4.1-1.7 1.6 0 2.9.5 4 1.7zm48.8 19.9h-3.6v19.1c0 2.4.7 4.1 2.1 5.1 1.2.9 3.1 1.4 5.6 1.4h.1v-3h-.1c-1.2 0-2.1-.2-2.7-.6-.9-.6-1.4-1.7-1.4-3.3V51h4.1v-3h-4.1v-7.5zm-96.2 7c-1.4 0-2.6.3-3.7 1-1 .6-1.7 1.5-2.3 2.6-1.2-2.4-3.2-3.6-6-3.6-2.2 0-4 .9-5.2 2.6V48h-3.5v18.2h3.5l.2-10.7c0-1.5.4-2.6 1.1-3.5.7-.9 1.8-1.3 3.1-1.3s2.3.4 3.1 1.3c.8.9 1.2 2 1.2 3.5v10.6h3.4V55.5c0-1.5.4-2.6 1.2-3.5s1.8-1.3 3.2-1.3c1.3 0 2.3.4 3.1 1.3.7.9 1.1 2 1.1 3.5v10.6h3.5V55c0-2.3-.6-4.1-1.9-5.5-1.3-1.3-3-2-5.1-2zm18.9 0c-2.5 0-4.7.9-6.4 2.8-1.7 1.9-2.6 4.1-2.6 6.8s.9 5 2.7 6.8c1.8 1.8 4.1 2.8 6.8 2.8h.1v-.1c1.4 0 2.7-.3 3.9-.7 1.2-.5 2.2-1.1 3-1.9l-1.8-2.4c-1.3 1.3-3 2-5 2-1.7 0-3.1-.5-4.2-1.6-1.1-1-1.8-2.4-2-4h14.3c.1-.3.1-.7.1-1.2 0-2.5-.9-4.7-2.6-6.5-1.6-1.8-3.8-2.8-6.3-2.8zm.1 3c1.4 0 2.6.5 3.6 1.3 1 .9 1.6 2.1 1.8 3.8h-10.8c.3-1.5.9-2.7 1.8-3.7 1-.9 2.2-1.4 3.6-1.4zm22.5-2.3c-.6-.5-1.6-.8-2.8-.8-1.9 0-3.4.9-4.5 2.6v-2H205v18.2h3.5l-.1-10.5c0-1.5.3-2.7.9-3.6.6-.9 1.5-1.3 2.6-1.3.9 0 1.7.2 2.3.7h.1l1.4-3.3zm9-.7c-2.5 0-4.7.9-6.4 2.8-1.7 1.9-2.6 4.1-2.6 6.8s.9 5 2.7 6.8c1.8 1.8 4.1 2.8 6.8 2.8h.1v-.1c1.4 0 2.7-.3 3.9-.7 1.2-.5 2.2-1.1 3-1.9l-1.8-2.4c-1.3 1.3-3 2-5 2-1.7 0-3.1-.5-4.2-1.6-1.1-1-1.8-2.4-2-4h14.3c.1-.3.1-.7.1-1.2 0-2.5-.9-4.7-2.6-6.5-1.6-1.8-3.8-2.8-6.3-2.8zm.1 3c1.4 0 2.6.5 3.6 1.3 1 .9 1.6 2.1 1.8 3.8h-10.8c.3-1.5.9-2.7 1.8-3.7.9-.9 2.1-1.4 3.6-1.4zm26.1 0c-1.5-2-3.6-3.1-6.3-3.1-2.5 0-4.6.9-6.3 2.7s-2.5 4.1-2.5 6.8.9 5 2.5 6.8c1.7 1.8 3.8 2.7 6.3 2.7 2.6 0 4.7-1.1 6.3-3.2v2.7h3.5V40.5h-3.5v10zm-1.7 2c1.1 1.2 1.6 2.7 1.6 4.5 0 1.7-.6 3.3-1.6 4.5-1.1 1.2-2.4 1.8-4.2 1.8-1.7 0-3.1-.6-4.2-1.8-1.1-1.2-1.7-2.7-1.7-4.5s.6-3.3 1.7-4.5c1.1-1.2 2.5-1.8 4.2-1.8 1.8.1 3.1.7 4.2 1.8zm43.5-3c-1.3-1.4-3-2.1-5.2-2.1-2.4 0-4.2.9-5.4 2.6v-9.6h-3.5v25.7h3.5l.1-10.5c0-1.5.4-2.6 1.2-3.5.8-.9 1.8-1.3 3.2-1.3 1.4 0 2.5.4 3.3 1.3.8.9 1.2 2 1.2 3.5v10.6h3.5V55c0-2.3-.6-4.1-1.9-5.5zM259.1 48h3.5v18.2h-3.5zm0-7.5h3.4v3.4h-3.4z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-caret-right"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" x="0" y="0" viewBox="0 0 100 100" xml:space="preserve"><path d="M33 99 82.1 50 33 .9z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-envelope"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 100 100"><path d="M100,88.3H0V11.7h100V88.3z M9.4,78.9h81.3V21.1H9.4V78.9z"/><path d="M1.1 13.9 49.6 62.3 97.8 13.9z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-print"> <svg viewBox="0 0 176 170"><path class="print-st0" d="M46.7 12.3H125.7V33.3H46.7zM46.7 156.3h79v-74h-79V156.3zM60.3 99.7l54.7.1 0 7.5-54.7-.1L60.3 99.7zM60.3 116.7l54.7.1 0 7.5-54.7-.1L60.3 116.7zM60.3 133.7l39.4.1 0 7.5-39.4-.1L60.3 133.7z"/><circle class="print-st0" cx="147.6" cy="58.6" r="7.5"/><path class="print-st1" d="M155.9,33.3h-17.2v-33h-105v33H19c-9.5,0-18.3,8.6-18.3,18v81.7c0,0.4,1.4,0.2,1.8,0.2h31.2v36h105v-36h17.2 c9.5,0,18.8-7.2,18.8-16.7V51.4C174.7,41.9,165.4,33.3,155.9,33.3z M125.7,156.3h-79v-74h79V156.3z M125.7,33.3h-79v-21h79V33.3z M147.6,66.2c-4.2,0-7.5-3.4-7.5-7.5c0-4.2,3.4-7.5,7.5-7.5s7.5,3.4,7.5,7.5C155.1,62.8,151.8,66.2,147.6,66.2z"/><path transform="rotate(-89.907 87.615 103.541)" class="print-st1" d="M83.8 76.2H91.3V130.9H83.8z"/><path transform="rotate(-89.907 87.615 120.526)" class="print-st1" d="M83.8 93.2H91.3V147.9H83.8z"/><path transform="rotate(-89.871 79.961 137.511)" class="print-st1" d="M76.2 117.8H83.7V157.2H76.2z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-camera"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" x="0" y="0" viewBox="0 0 100 100" xml:space="preserve"><circle fill="#333" cx="49.5" cy="55.2" r="21.6"/><circle fill="#FFF" cx="49.5" cy="55.2" r="12.8"/><path fill="#333" d="M91.5,17.6V7H44.1L41,17.6H0v76.4h99.7V17.6H91.5z M91.3,85.6H8.4V26h82.9V85.6z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="reviewer-icon"> <svg version="1.1" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" x="0" y="0" viewBox="0 0 16 15" style="enable-background:new 0 0 16 15" xml:space="preserve"><path d="M13.9,10.2c0.4-0.8,0.6-1.8,0.6-2.7c0-3.9-3.1-7-7-7s-7,3.1-7,7s3.1,7,7,7C10.4,14.5,12.9,12.7,13.9,10.2z" style="fill:#dcd8a0;stroke-width:0"/><path d="M3.5,6.5l4,3.5L15,1" style="fill:none;stroke:#333;stroke-width:1.75"/><path d="M13.5,10.6c-1.1,2.2-3.4,3.6-6,3.6c-3.7,0-6.7-3-6.7-6.7s3-6.7,6.7-6.7c2.5,0,4.6,1.3,5.8,3.3" style="fill:none;stroke:#333;stroke-width:1.25"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-sources-show"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20"><path d="M10 0C4.477 0 0 4.477 0 10s4.477 10 10 10 10-4.477 10-10S15.523 0 10 0z"/><path fill="currentColor" d="M10 10.621L6.818 7.44a1.5 1.5 0 0 0-2.121 2.122l4.242 4.242a1.5 1.5 0 0 0 2.122 0l4.242-4.242a1.5 1.5 0 0 0-2.121-2.122L10 10.621z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-sources-hide"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20"><path d="M10 0C4.477 0 0 4.477 0 10s4.477 10 10 10 10-4.477 10-10S15.523 0 10 0z" transform="rotate(180 10 10)"/><path fill="currentColor" fill-rule="nonzero" d="M10 10.621L6.818 7.44a1.5 1.5 0 0 0-2.121 2.122l4.242 4.242a1.5 1.5 0 0 0 2.122 0l4.242-4.242a1.5 1.5 0 0 0-2.121-2.122L10 10.621z" transform="rotate(180 10 10)"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-checkmark"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 19 19"><path d="M7.7,16.6l-5.8-5.8l2.8-2.8l3.2,3.2l8.6-8.2C14.8,1.2,12.3,0,9.5,0C4.3,0,0,4.3,0,9.5C0,14.7,4.3,19,9.5,19S19,14.7,19,9.5c0-1.2-0.2-2.4-0.7-3.5L7.7,16.6z"/></svg> </symbol> <symbol id="icon-cite"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20"><path d="M10 0C4.477 0 0 4.476 0 10c0 5.523 4.477 10 10 10s10-4.477 10-10c0-5.524-4.477-10-10-10z"/><path fill="currentColor" d="M15.79 8.746a5.455 5.455 0 0 1-5.384 5.455 5.466 5.466 0 0 0 2.646-3.065 2.418 2.418 0 0 1-2.114-2.394 2.426 2.426 0 1 1 4.851 0v.004zM9.724 8.746A5.456 5.456 0 0 1 4.341 14.2a5.47 5.47 0 0 0 2.645-3.065 2.418 2.418 0 0 1-2.113-2.394 2.426 2.426 0 0 1 4.851 0v.004z"/></svg> </symbol> </defs> </svg>   <noscript><iframe src="//www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5P3SZGS" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <header id="header_1-0" class="comp header" role="banner" data-tracking-container="true"><a href="#skip-to-content" rel="nocaes" id="skip-link_1-0" class="skip-link mntl-text-link btn" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Skip to content</span></a> <div class="menu-button-container"> <button class="menu-button"> <span class="is-vishidden">Menu</span> <div class="menu-button-inner"> <svg class="icon icon-menu " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-menu" href="#icon-menu"></use> </svg> <svg class="icon icon-close " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-close" href="#icon-close"></use> </svg> <div> </button> </div> <div id="logo_1-0" class="comp logo"> <a href="/" rel="home" aria-label="Visit ThoughtCo's homepage"> <span class="is-vishidden">Home</span> <svg class="icon icon-logo " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-logo" href="#icon-logo"></use> </svg> </a> </div> <nav id="header-nav_1-0" class="comp header-nav" role="navigation"> <ul class="header-nav__list"> <li class="header-nav__list-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/sciences-math-4132465" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__list-item-link" > Science, Tech, Math </a> <ul class="header-nav__sublist"> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Science </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/math-4133545" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Math </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/social-sciences-4133522" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Social Sciences </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/computer-science-4133486" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Computer Science </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/animals-and-nature-4133421" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Animals & Nature </a> </li> </uL> </li> <li class="header-nav__list-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/humanities-4133358" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__list-item-link" > Humanities </a> <ul class="header-nav__sublist"> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/history-and-culture-4133356" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > History & Culture </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/visual-arts-4132957" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Visual Arts </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/literature-4133251" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Literature </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/english-4688281" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > English </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/geography-4133035" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Geography </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/philosophy-4133025" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Philosophy </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/issues-4133022" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Issues </a> </li> </uL> </li> <li class="header-nav__list-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/languages-4133094" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__list-item-link" > Languages </a> <ul class="header-nav__sublist"> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/esl-4133095" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > English as a Second Language </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/spanish-4133085" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Spanish </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/french-4133079" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > French </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/german-4133073" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > German </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/italian-4133069" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Italian </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-4133062" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Japanese </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/mandarin-4133057" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Mandarin </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/russian-4175265" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > Russian </a> </li> </uL> </li> <li class="header-nav__list-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/resources-4132590" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__list-item-link" > Resources </a> <ul class="header-nav__sublist"> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/for-students-parents-4132588" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > For Students & Parents </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/for-educators-4132509" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > For Educators </a> </li> <li class="header-nav__sublist-item"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/for-adult-learners-4132469" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__sublist-item-link" > For Adult Learners </a> </li> </uL> </li> <li class="header-nav__list-item"> <a href="/about-us-4779650" rel="nocaes" class="header-nav__list-item-link" >About Us</a> </li> </ul> </nav> <div id="general-search_1-0" class="comp general-search" data-tracking-container="true"> <button class="search-icon"> <span class="is-vishidden">Search</span> <svg class="icon icon-search " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-search" href="#icon-search"></use> </svg> </button> <form class="general-search-form" role="search" action="/search" method="get"> <div class="input-group"> <span class="general-search__close">Close</span> <label for="search-input" class="is-vishidden">Search the site</label> <input type="text" name="q" id="search-input" class="general-search-input" placeholder="Search here..." type="text" required="required" value="" tabindex="-1"> <button class="btn btn-go" tabindex="-1"> <span class="is-vishidden">GO</span> <svg class="icon icon-search " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-search" href="#icon-search"></use> </svg> </button> </div> </form> </div> <div class="header-nav-panel"> <nav id="fullscreen-nav_1-0" class="comp fullscreen-nav " role="navigation" data-tracking-container="true"> <ul class="fullscreen-nav-list"> <li class="fullscreen-nav-list-item" tabindex="0"> <div class="fullscreen-nav-title fullscreen-nav-title--science-tech-math" > <div> Science, Tech, Math </div> <svg class="icon icon-caret-down " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-down" href="#icon-caret-down"></use> </svg> </div> <ul class="fullscreen-nav-sub"> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464" rel="nocaes" >Science</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/math-4133545" rel="nocaes" >Math</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/social-sciences-4133522" rel="nocaes" >Social Sciences</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/computer-science-4133486" rel="nocaes" >Computer Science</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/animals-and-nature-4133421" rel="nocaes" >Animals & Nature</a></li> </uL> </li> <li class="fullscreen-nav-list-item" tabindex="0"> <div class="fullscreen-nav-title fullscreen-nav-title--humanities" > <div> Humanities </div> <svg class="icon icon-caret-down " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-down" href="#icon-caret-down"></use> </svg> </div> <ul class="fullscreen-nav-sub"> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/history-and-culture-4133356" rel="nocaes" >History & Culture</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/visual-arts-4132957" rel="nocaes" >Visual Arts</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/literature-4133251" rel="nocaes" >Literature</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/english-4688281" rel="nocaes" >English</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/geography-4133035" rel="nocaes" >Geography</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/philosophy-4133025" rel="nocaes" >Philosophy</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/issues-4133022" rel="nocaes" >Issues</a></li> </uL> </li> <li class="fullscreen-nav-list-item" tabindex="0"> <div class="fullscreen-nav-title fullscreen-nav-title--languages" > <div> Languages </div> <svg class="icon icon-caret-down " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-down" href="#icon-caret-down"></use> </svg> </div> <ul class="fullscreen-nav-sub"> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/esl-4133095" rel="nocaes" >English as a Second Language</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/spanish-4133085" rel="nocaes" >Spanish</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/french-4133079" rel="nocaes" >French</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/german-4133073" rel="nocaes" >German</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/italian-4133069" rel="nocaes" >Italian</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/japanese-4133062" rel="nocaes" >Japanese</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/mandarin-4133057" rel="nocaes" >Mandarin</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/russian-4175265" rel="nocaes" >Russian</a></li> </uL> </li> <li class="fullscreen-nav-list-item" tabindex="0"> <div class="fullscreen-nav-title fullscreen-nav-title--resources" > <div> Resources </div> <svg class="icon icon-caret-down " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-down" href="#icon-caret-down"></use> </svg> </div> <ul class="fullscreen-nav-sub"> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/for-students-parents-4132588" rel="nocaes" >For Students & Parents</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/for-educators-4132509" rel="nocaes" >For Educators</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/for-adult-learners-4132469" rel="nocaes" >For Adult Learners</a></li> </uL> </li> <li> <ul id="contact-nav_1-0" class="comp contact-nav"> <li class="contact-nav__nav-item"><a href="/about-us-4779650" rel="nocaes" >About Us</a></li> <li class="contact-nav__nav-item"><a href="/about-us-4779650#toc-contact-us" rel="nocaes" >Contact Us</a></li> <li class="contact-nav__nav-item"><a href="/about-us-4779650#toc-editorial-guidelines" rel="nocaes" >Editorial Guidelines</a></li> <li class="contact-nav__nav-item"><a href="https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/brands-privacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener nocaes" >Privacy Policy</a></li> </ul> </li> </uL> </nav> </div> </header> <div id="mm-ads-leaderboard-header_1-0" class="comp mm-ads-leaderboard-header mm-ads-flexible-leaderboard mm-ads-flexible-ad mm-ads-gpt-adunit leaderboard--header has-right-label gpt leaderboard "> <div id="leaderboard-flex-1" class="wrapper" ></div> </div> <div id="mm-ads-leaderboard-spacer_1-0" class="comp mm-ads-leaderboard-spacer mntl-block js-rollaway-spacer"></div><main id="main" class="loc main" role="main"><iframe id="height-change-listener" role="none" tabindex="-1" src="about:blank" aria-hidden="true"></iframe> <div id="skip-to-content" class="jump-link"></div> <article id="ref-article_1-0" class="comp ref-article mntl-article mntl-article--three-column right-rail" data-tracking-container="true"><div class="loc article-header"><div id="article-header-block_1-0" class="comp article-header-block mntl-block "><ul id="breadcrumbs_1-0" class="comp breadcrumbs mntl-universal-breadcrumbs mntl-block type--squirrel breadcrumbs" data-tracking-container="true"><li id="mntl-breadcrumbs__item_1-0" class="comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/sciences-math-4132465" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_5-0" class="mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Science, Tech, Math</span></a> <span id="breadcrumbs__separator_1-0" class="comp breadcrumbs__separator mntl-text-block">›</span></li> <li id="mntl-breadcrumbs__item_2-0" class="comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_6-0" class="mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Science</span></a> <span id="breadcrumbs__separator_2-0" class="comp breadcrumbs__separator mntl-text-block">›</span></li> <li id="mntl-breadcrumbs__item_3-0" class="comp mntl-breadcrumbs__item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/physics-4133571" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_7-0" class="mntl-text-link mntl-breadcrumbs__link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Physics</span></a> <span id="breadcrumbs__separator_3-0" class="comp breadcrumbs__separator mntl-text-block">›</span></li></ul> <div id="article-heading_1-0" class="comp article-heading mntl-article-header"> <h1 class="article-heading type--lion">Quantum Zeno Effect</h1> </div></div> </div><div class="loc article-post-header"><div id="post-header-social-block_1-0" class="comp post-header-social-block mntl-block"><div id="social-share-block_1-0" class="comp social-share-block mntl-block"><ul id="social-share_1-0" class="comp social-share mntl-social-share share" data-title="Quantum Zeno Effect" document="StructuredContentDocumentEx{parent=BaseDocumentEx{templateType=STRUCTUREDCONTENT, documentId=2699304, bestTitle='Quantum Zeno Effect'}}" data-description="The quantum Zeno effect is a phenomenon in quantum physics. Here's how it works, its origins, and the meaning of anti-Zeno effect." data-tracking-container="true"> <li class="share-item share-item-facebook"> <span data-href="https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thoughtco.com%2Fquantum-zeno-effect-2699304%3Futm_source%3Dfacebook.com%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dsocial-share-article" data-network="facebook" data-click-tracked="true" class="share-link share-link-facebook" tabindex="0" title="Share on Facebook" aria-label="Share on Facebook" role="link"> <svg class="icon icon-facebook " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-facebook" href="#icon-facebook"></use> </svg> </span> </li> <li class="share-item share-item-flipboard"> <span data-href="https://share.flipboard.com/bookmarklet/popout?v=2&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thoughtco.com%2Fquantum-zeno-effect-2699304%3Futm_source%3Dflipit%26utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_campaign%3Dwidgets%26utm_content%3Dwww.thoughtco.com&title=Quantum+Zeno+Effect&t=1740000923614" data-network="flipboard" data-click-tracked="true" class="share-link share-link-flipboard" tabindex="0" title="Share on Flipboard" aria-label="Share on Flipboard" role="link"> <svg class="icon icon-flipboard " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-flipboard" href="#icon-flipboard"></use> </svg> </span> </li> <li class="share-item share-item-email"> <span data-href="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304?utm_source=emailshare&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=shareurlbuttons" data-network="emailshare" data-click-tracked="true" class="share-link share-link-email" tabindex="0" title="Email this article" aria-label="Email this article" role="link"> <svg class="icon icon-envelope " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-envelope" href="#icon-envelope"></use> </svg> </span> </li> </ul></div> <form id="print-button_1-0" class="comp print-button" method="POST" action="/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304?print" target="_blank"> <button class="mntl-print-button__btn" aria-label="Print this article."> Print <svg class="icon icon-print mntl-print-button__icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-print" href="#icon-print"></use> </svg> </button> <input type="hidden" value="true" name="print" /> <input type="hidden" value="6de1755387dead3834174189c04a1c2f" name="CSRFToken" /> </form></div> <figure id="figure-article_1-0" class="comp figure-article mntl-universal-primary-image lock-primary right-rail__offset figure-landscape primary-image"> <div class="primary-image__media"> <div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:72.5%;"> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/oovH309UwY0jbN3_H5T6jXSv8F0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-water-boiling-in-teapot-562817171-5810e69c3df78c2c73075972.jpg" width="5512" height="4000" srcset="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/oovH309UwY0jbN3_H5T6jXSv8F0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-water-boiling-in-teapot-562817171-5810e69c3df78c2c73075972.jpg 1500w" sizes="750px" alt="Water Boiling In Teapot" class=" primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry" onload="(function(e){e.classList.add('loaded')})(this)" style="--blurry: url('data:image/gif;charset=utf-8;base64,R0lGODlhCQAHAPUAAAAAAAEAAAIBAAMBAgQAAAgICBgUCR4RCRwVDxMSEDUpEy8vIy4uJi8xMDArJT4yJD84KD8/N1cwEUxCNkxIP3dMH31fOVxQQm1cSGxfTnxiQXhtWXOEjIFnRoJuVoF3bYd4YYp6YYp9bIJ8cIyIfJeCZ5eHcJyMfaKIb5mPhZaSh5CQjpWVk5uWkqmrpqGssrOwp7+2p7+4pr/R3cq8s9HEs8bHy9jPyNrVwfLo3+bq6f7+/gAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACwAAAAACQAHAEUISgAxVLCgwUMJEChOpLgh4gWLDAJW2MhRI0QHGgAWDJiAoEGCHRwYuCARoUAAAwo2SAAAgAALCBdGPJAR40OLAxQcmJgBQwcOFQEBADs=')" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/oovH309UwY0jbN3_H5T6jXSv8F0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-water-boiling-in-teapot-562817171-5810e69c3df78c2c73075972.jpg" width="5512" height="4000" class="loaded primary-img--noscript primary-image__image mntl-primary-image--blurry" srcset="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/oovH309UwY0jbN3_H5T6jXSv8F0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/close-up-of-water-boiling-in-teapot-562817171-5810e69c3df78c2c73075972.jpg 1500w" sizes="750px" alt="Water Boiling In Teapot" /> </noscript> </div> </div> <figcaption id="primary-image__figcap_1-0" class="comp primary-image__figcap mntl-figure-caption figure-article-caption"> <span class="figure-article-caption-owner"><p>Erika Straesser / Getty Images</p></span> </figcaption></figure> </div><div class="loc article-left-rail"> <div id="breadcrumbs-list_2-0" class="comp breadcrumbs-list hide-toplevel-small" data-tracking-container="true"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464" rel="nocaes" class="breadcrumbs-list-image" ><div class="loc image"><img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/GlGRAYLjgFbTQlbxhxfdvvPh9L8=/150x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/left_rail_image_science-58a22da268a0972917bfb5cc.png" width="150" height="0" alt="Science" class=" universal-image__image" /> </div></a> <span class="breadcrumbs-list-title"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/science-4132464" rel="nocaes" >Science</a> </span> <ul class="breadcrumbs-list-list"> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item is-active"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/physics-4133571" rel="nocaes" data-ordinal="1" class="breadcrumbs-list-link is-active" > <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon-active" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> Physics <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> <ul class="breadcrumbs-list-submenu"> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item breadcrumbs-list-submenu-item "> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/physics-core-theories-4133569" rel="nocaes" data-subordinal="1" data-ordinal="1" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Physics Laws, Concepts, and Principles <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item breadcrumbs-list-submenu-item "> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-physics-4133568" rel="nocaes" data-subordinal="2" data-ordinal="1" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Quantum Physics <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item breadcrumbs-list-submenu-item "> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/important-physicists-4133567" rel="nocaes" data-subordinal="3" data-ordinal="1" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Important Physicists <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item breadcrumbs-list-submenu-item "> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/thermodynamics-4133566" rel="nocaes" data-subordinal="4" data-ordinal="1" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Thermodynamics <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item breadcrumbs-list-submenu-item "> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/cosmology-and-astrophysics-4133565" rel="nocaes" data-subordinal="5" data-ordinal="1" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Cosmology & Astrophysics <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item empty-submenu"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/chemistry-4133594" rel="nocaes" data-ordinal="2" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Chemistry <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item empty-submenu"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/biology-4133580" rel="nocaes" data-ordinal="3" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Biology <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item empty-submenu"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/geology-4133564" rel="nocaes" data-ordinal="4" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Geology <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item empty-submenu"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/astronomy-4133558" rel="nocaes" data-ordinal="5" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Astronomy <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="breadcrumbs-list-item empty-submenu"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/weather-and-climate-4133550" rel="nocaes" data-ordinal="6" class="breadcrumbs-list-link" > Weather & Climate <svg class="icon icon-caret-right breadcrumbs-list-icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-caret-right" href="#icon-caret-right"></use> </svg> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div><div class="loc article-pre-content"><div id="article-meta_1-0" class="comp article-meta mntl-block" data-tracking-container="true"><div id="reference-bylines_1-0" class="comp reference-bylines mntl-bylines right-rail__offset"><div id="mntl-bylines__group_1-0" class="comp mntl-bylines__group mntl-block mntl-bylines__group--author"><div id="mntl-bylines__item_1-0" class="comp mntl-bylines__item mntl-attribution__item mntl-attribution__item--has-date"> <span class="mntl-attribution__item-descriptor">By</span> <div data-tooltip="Andrew Zimmerman Jones is a science writer, educator, and researcher. He is the co-author of "String Theory for Dummies."" tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/andrew-zimmerman-jones-2698607" rel="nocaes" data-trigger-link="true" class="mntl-attribution__item-name" tabindex="-1" >Andrew Zimmerman Jones</a> <div id="mntl-author-tooltip_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip mntl-tooltip mntl-group "> <div class="mntl-author-tooltip__top "> <div class="mntl-author-tooltip__image-wrapper"> <div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:122.8%;"> <img data-srcset="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/4SLRIZK8YpPtXA7rRAont_7XlZI=/40x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 40w, https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/4to-l9l8Av3y1QsgGqdLcAFdsD8=/58x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 58w, https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/Tq8yL6uL6OEQdP4_rE9q6Jef2T4=/76x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 76w, https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/YLFbwe5OLwkvPlJ2ABiTMv9gdB4=/94x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 94w, https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/zT3Rc7r-vVZqHGNKt46OJ9bEQps=/112x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 112w" data-sizes="80px" data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/axvTF3y-VcI_2omF3XbmazaE7IU=/200x200/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg" class="lazyload mntl-author-tooltip__image" width="200" height="200" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/axvTF3y-VcI_2omF3XbmazaE7IU=/200x200/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg" srcset="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/4SLRIZK8YpPtXA7rRAont_7XlZI=/40x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 40w, https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/4to-l9l8Av3y1QsgGqdLcAFdsD8=/58x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 58w, https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/Tq8yL6uL6OEQdP4_rE9q6Jef2T4=/76x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 76w, https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/YLFbwe5OLwkvPlJ2ABiTMv9gdB4=/94x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 94w, https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/zT3Rc7r-vVZqHGNKt46OJ9bEQps=/112x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/AZJFaceShot-56a72b155f9b58b7d0e783fa.jpg 112w" alt="" width="200" height="200" class="img--noscript mntl-author-tooltip__image" /> </noscript> </div> </div> <div id="mntl-author-tooltip__name_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__name mntl-attribution__item "> <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/andrew-zimmerman-jones-2698607" rel="nocaes" class="mntl-attribution__item-name" tabindex="0" >Andrew Zimmerman Jones</a> </div> <span id="mntl-author-tooltip__job-title_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__job-title mntl-text-block">Math and Physics Expert</span> <ul id="mntl-author-tooltip__education_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__education mntl-block"><li id="mntl-author-tooltip__education-item_1-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__education-item mntl-text-block">M.S., Mathematics Education, Indiana University</li> <li id="mntl-author-tooltip__education-item_2-0" class="comp mntl-author-tooltip__education-item mntl-text-block">B.A., Physics, Wabash College</li></ul> <div class="mntl-author-tooltip__bio"> Andrew Zimmerman Jones is a science writer, educator, and researcher. He is the co-author of "String Theory for Dummies." </div> </div> <div class="mntl-author-tooltip__bottom"> <span class="mntl-author-tooltip__learn-more-text">Learn about our</span> <a href="/about-us-4779650#toc-editorial-guidelines" rel="nocaes" class="mntl-author-tooltip__learn-more-link" >Editorial Process</a> </div> </div></div> </div> <div class="mntl-attribution__item-date">Updated on February 23, 2019</div></div> </div></div> </div><div class="loc article-content"><div id="article-content_1-0" class="comp article-content mntl-block"><div id="mntl-sc-page_1-0" class="comp mntl-sc-page mntl-block structured-content expert-content" data-sc-sticky-offset="85" data-sc-ad-label-height="24" data-sc-ad-track-spacing="100" data-sc-min-track-height="250" data-sc-max-track-height="600" data-sc-breakpoint="50em" data-sc-load-immediate="3" data-sc-content-positions="[1, 1050, 1250, 1550, 1950, 2350, 2750, 3150]" data-bind-scroll-on-start="true"><p id="mntl-sc-block_1-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> The <em>quantum Zeno effect</em> is a phenomenon in <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-physics-overview-2699370" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">quantum physics</a> where observing a particle prevents it from decaying as it would in the absence of the observation. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_2-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-classical-zeno-paradox"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_3-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> Classical Zeno Paradox </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_4-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> The name comes from the classic logical (and scientific) paradox presented by ancient philosopher Zeno of Elea. In one of the more straightforward formulations of this paradox, in order to reach any distant point, you have to cross half of the distance to that point. But to reach that, you have to cross half that distance. But first, half of that distance. And so forth... so that it turns out you actually have an infinite number of half-distances to cross and, therefore, you can't actually ever make it! </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_5-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-origins-of-the-quantum-zeno-effect"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_6-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> Origins of the Quantum Zeno Effect </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_7-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> The quantum Zeno effect was originally presented in the 1977 paper "The Zeno's Paradox in Quantum Theory" (Journal of Mathematical Physics, <a href="http://repository.ias.ac.in/51139/1/211-pub.pdf" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="1" rel="nofollow">PDF</a>), written by Baidyanaith Misra and George Sudarshan. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_8-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <p id="mntl-sc-block_9-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> In the article, the situation described is a radioactive particle (or, as described in the original article, an "unstable quantum system"). According to quantum theory, there is a given probability that this particle (or "system") will go through a decay in a certain period of time into a different state than the one in which it began. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_10-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <p id="mntl-sc-block_11-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> However, Misra and Sudarshan proposed a scenario in which repeated observation of the particle actually prevents the transition into the decay state. This may certainly be reminiscent of the common idiom "a watched pot never boils," except instead of a mere observation about the difficulty of patience, this is an actual physical result that can be (and has been) experimentally confirmed. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_12-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-how-the-quantum-zeno-effect-works"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_13-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> How the Quantum Zeno Effect Works </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_14-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> The physical explanation in quantum <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/physics-basics-4140295" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">physics</a> is complex, but fairly well understood. Let's begin by thinking of the situation as it just happens normally, without the quantum Zeno effect at work. The "unstable quantum system" described has two states, let's call them state A (the undecayed state) and state B (the decayed state). </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_15-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <p id="mntl-sc-block_16-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> If the system is not being observed, then over time it will evolve from the undecayed state into a superposition of state A and state B, with the probability of being in either state being based on time. When a new observation is made, the wavefunction that describes this superposition of states will collapse into either state A or B. The probability of which state it collapses into is based on the amount of time that has passed. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_17-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <p id="mntl-sc-block_18-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> It's the last part which is key to the quantum Zeno effect. If you make a series of observations after short periods of time, the probability that the system will be in state A during each measurement is dramatically higher than the probability that the system will be in state B. In other words, the system keeps collapsing back into the undecayed state and never has time to evolve into the decayed state. </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_19-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <p id="mntl-sc-block_20-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> As counter-intuitive as this sounds, this has been experimentally confirmed (as has the following effect). </p> <div id="mntl-sc-block_21-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-adslot mntl-block"></div> <span class="heading-toc" id="toc-anti-zeno-effect"></span><h2 id="mntl-sc-block_22-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block reference-sc-block-heading mntl-sc-block-heading"> <span class="mntl-sc-block-heading__text"> Anti-Zeno Effect </span> </h2> <p id="mntl-sc-block_23-0" class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html"> There is evidence for an opposite effect, which is described in Jim Al-Khalili's <em>Paradox</em> as "the quantum equivalent of staring at a kettle and making it come to the boil more quickly. While still somewhat speculative, such research goes to the heart of some of the most profound and possibly important areas of science in the twenty-first century, such as working toward building what is called a <a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-quantum-computer-2699359" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1">quantum computer</a>." This effect has been <a href="https://arxiv.org/abs/quant-ph/0104035v1" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="externalLink" data-ordinal="2">experimentally confirmed.</a> </p></div> <div id="sources-and-citation_1-0" class="comp sources-and-citation mntl-block"><div id="citation-widget_1-0" class="comp citation-widget js-citation-widget" data-tracking-container="true"> <div class="citation-widget__container js-container"> <button class="citation-widget__button js-button"> <span class="citation-widget__cite-label">Cite this Article </span> <svg class="icon icon-cite citation-widget__icon-cite" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-cite" href="#icon-cite"></use> </svg> </button> <div class="citation-widget__window js-window"> <svg class="icon icon-close citation-widget__icon-close js-icon-close" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-close" href="#icon-close"></use> </svg> <div class="citation-widget__heading">Format</div> <a href="#" class="citation-widget__format-link citation-widget__format-link--active js-format-link">mla</a> <a href="#" class="citation-widget__format-link js-format-link">apa</a> <a href="#" class="citation-widget__format-link js-format-link">chicago</a> <div class="citation-widget__heading">Your Citation</div> <div class="citation-widget__content js-content"> <span class="citation-widget__citation citation-widget__citation--active js-active" data-citation-format="mla">Jones, Andrew Zimmerman. "Quantum Zeno Effect." ThoughtCo, Apr. 5, 2023, thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304.</span> <span class="citation-widget__citation" data-citation-format="apa">Jones, Andrew Zimmerman. (2023, April 5). Quantum Zeno Effect. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304</span> <span class="citation-widget__citation" data-citation-format="chicago">Jones, Andrew Zimmerman. "Quantum Zeno Effect." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304 (accessed February 19, 2025).</span> </div> <div class="citation-widget__copy-container"> <button class="citation-widget__copy-button js-copy-button"> <div class="citation-widget__copy-wrapper"> <svg class="icon icon-checkmark citation-widget__icon-checkmark" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-checkmark" href="#icon-checkmark"></use> </svg> <span class="citation-widget__copy-label js-copy-label">copy citation</span> </div> </button> </div> </div> </div> </div></div></div> </div><div class="loc article-right-rail"><div id="mm-ads-right-rail_1-0" class="comp mm-ads-right-rail mntl-block"><div id="sc-billboard-group_1-0" class="comp sc-billboard-group mntl-block js-scads-inline-content"><div id="mntl-block_2-0" class="comp mntl-block"><div id="ref-billboard1-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp ref-billboard1-sticky-dynamic mntl-block"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_1-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-squareFlex1-sticky mm-ads-sc-sticky-square scads-to-load right-rail__item" data-height="1050" style="height: 1050px;"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_2-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-square mm-ads-gpt-adunit gpt square "> <div id="square-flex-1" class="wrapper" ></div> </div></div></div></div> <div id="mntl-block_3-0" class="comp mntl-block"><div id="ref-billboard2-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp ref-billboard2-sticky-dynamic mntl-block"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_3-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-squareFlex2-sticky-dynamic mm-ads-sc-sticky-square scads-to-load right-rail__item" data-height="600" style="height: 600px;"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_4-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-square mm-ads-gpt-adunit gpt square dynamic"> <div id="square-flex-2" class="wrapper" data-type="square" data-pos="btf1" data-priority="2" data-sizes="[[300, 250],[300, 600],[160, 600],"fluid"]" data-rtb="true" data-wait-for-third-party="false" data-targeting="{}"></div> </div></div></div></div> <div id="mntl-block_4-0" class="comp mntl-block"><div id="mm-ads-native_1-0" class="comp mm-ads-native " style="--native-ad-height: auto"><div id="mm-ads-native__adunit_1-0" class="comp mm-ads-native__adunit mm-ads-gpt-dynamic-adunit mm-ads-gpt-adunit scads-to-load gpt native dynamic"> <div id="native" class="wrapper" data-type="native" data-pos="native" data-priority="4" data-sizes="[[1, 3],"fluid"]" data-rtb="false" data-wait-for-third-party="false" data-targeting="{}"></div> </div></div></div> <div id="mntl-block_5-0" class="comp mntl-block"><div id="ref-billboard3-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp ref-billboard3-sticky-dynamic mntl-block"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_5-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-squareFixed-sticky-dynamic mm-ads-sc-sticky-square scads-to-load right-rail__item" data-height="600" style="height: 600px;"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_6-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-square mm-ads-gpt-adunit gpt square dynamic"> <div id="square-fixed" class="wrapper" data-type="square" data-pos="atf" data-priority="2" data-sizes="[[300, 250],"fluid"]" data-rtb="true" data-wait-for-third-party="false" data-targeting="{}"></div> </div></div></div></div> <div id="mntl-block_6-0" class="comp mntl-block"><div id="ref-billboard4-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp ref-billboard4-sticky-dynamic mntl-block"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_7-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-squareFixed-sticky-dynamic mm-ads-sc-sticky-square scads-to-load right-rail__item" data-height="600" style="height: 600px;"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_8-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-square mm-ads-gpt-adunit gpt square dynamic"> <div id="square-fixed" class="wrapper" data-type="square" data-pos="atf" data-priority="2" data-sizes="[[300, 250],"fluid"]" data-rtb="true" data-wait-for-third-party="false" data-targeting="{}"></div> </div></div></div></div> <div id="mntl-block_7-0" class="comp mntl-block"><div id="ref-billboard5-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp ref-billboard5-sticky-dynamic mntl-block"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_9-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-squareFixed-sticky-dynamic mm-ads-sc-sticky-square scads-to-load right-rail__item" data-height="600" style="height: 600px;"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_10-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-square mm-ads-gpt-adunit gpt square dynamic"> <div id="square-fixed" class="wrapper" data-type="square" data-pos="atf" data-priority="2" data-sizes="[[300, 250],"fluid"]" data-rtb="true" data-wait-for-third-party="false" data-targeting="{}"></div> </div></div></div></div> <div id="mntl-block_8-0" class="comp mntl-block"><div id="ref-billboard6-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp ref-billboard6-sticky-dynamic mntl-block"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_11-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-squareFixed-sticky-dynamic mm-ads-sc-sticky-square scads-to-load right-rail__item" data-height="600" style="height: 600px;"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_12-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-square mm-ads-gpt-adunit gpt square dynamic"> <div id="square-fixed" class="wrapper" data-type="square" data-pos="atf" data-priority="2" data-sizes="[[300, 250],"fluid"]" data-rtb="true" data-wait-for-third-party="false" data-targeting="{}"></div> </div></div></div></div> <div id="mntl-block_9-0" class="comp mntl-block"><div id="ref-billboard7-sticky-dynamic_1-0" class="comp ref-billboard7-sticky-dynamic mntl-block"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_13-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-squareFixed-sticky-dynamic mm-ads-sc-sticky-square scads-to-load right-rail__item" data-height="600" style="height: 600px;"><div id="mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad_14-0" class="comp mm-ads-sc-sticky-square-ad mm-ads-square mm-ads-gpt-adunit gpt square dynamic"> <div id="square-fixed" class="wrapper" data-type="square" data-pos="atf" data-priority="2" data-sizes="[[300, 250],"fluid"]" data-rtb="true" data-wait-for-third-party="false" data-targeting="{}"></div> </div></div></div></div> <div id="mntl-block_10-0" class="comp mntl-block"></div> <div id="mntl-block_11-0" class="comp mntl-block"></div> <div id="mntl-block_12-0" class="comp mntl-block"></div></div></div> </div></article> <div id="prefooter--outbrain_1-0" class="comp prefooter--outbrain prefooter mntl-block"><div id="reference-outbrain_1-0" class="comp reference-outbrain mntl-outbrain"> <div class="OUTBRAIN js-outbrain-widget" data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304" data-widget-id="AR_1"></div> </div> <section id="masonry-list-section_1-0" class="comp masonry-list-section mntl-block" data-tracking-container="true"><ul id="mntl-masonry-tax-card-list_1-0" class="comp mntl-masonry-tax-card-list mntl-masonry-card-list mntl-masonry-list mntl-block masonry-list"><li id="masonry-list__item_1-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_1-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699356" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-levitation-and-how-does-it-work-2699356" data-ordinal="1" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:66.6%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/SQZnVRa1cWks23V5gv7JfYd-ZTI=/250x1333/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-507882218-57af88f55f9b58b5c2edaba5-5c38c2e4c9e77c00012bb508.jpg" width="250" height="1333" alt="Maglev train in Shanhgai China" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.5" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/SQZnVRa1cWks23V5gv7JfYd-ZTI=/250x1333/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-507882218-57af88f55f9b58b5c2edaba5-5c38c2e4c9e77c00012bb508.jpg" width="250" height="1333" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="Maglev train in Shanhgai China" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">How Quantum Levitation Works</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_2-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_2-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699370" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-physics-overview-2699370" data-ordinal="2" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:66.6%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/OihuuiRntT_dQjq0q4GyKDFN4Po=/250x3286/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/quantum-physics-formulas-over-blackboard-187852370-579632175f9b58173bbafc77-5c26a34a46e0fb0001390645.jpg" width="250" height="3286" alt="A chalkboard covered in complex mathematical equations" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.5" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/OihuuiRntT_dQjq0q4GyKDFN4Po=/250x3286/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/quantum-physics-formulas-over-blackboard-187852370-579632175f9b58173bbafc77-5c26a34a46e0fb0001390645.jpg" width="250" height="3286" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="A chalkboard covered in complex mathematical equations" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Quantum Physics Overview</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_3-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_3-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699353" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-the-casimir-effect-2699353" data-ordinal="3" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:102.4%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/H58rozMgYlkFkGCR7o7lT-p1324=/250x512/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/500px-Casimir_plates-56a72bbc5f9b58b7d0e7899e.png" width="250" height="512" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="0.977" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/H58rozMgYlkFkGCR7o7lT-p1324=/250x512/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/500px-Casimir_plates-56a72bbc5f9b58b7d0e7899e.png" width="250" height="512" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">The Casimir Effect</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_4-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_4-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699258" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/meissner-effect-2699258" data-ordinal="4" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:74.9%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/CZDFJSb9rk2L0oX5naCl4ATRI-o=/250x3626/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/magnetism-147220256-59f160ed845b34001101d4e7.jpg" width="250" height="3626" alt="magnet" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.333" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/CZDFJSb9rk2L0oX5naCl4ATRI-o=/250x3626/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/magnetism-147220256-59f160ed845b34001101d4e7.jpg" width="250" height="3626" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="magnet" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Defining the Meissner Effect in Quantum Physics</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_5-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_5-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699357" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/the-heisenberg-uncertainty-principle-2699357" data-ordinal="5" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:83.1%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/CI-sspCNSZX4cq7_HgfODXBxuHA=/250x257/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Heisenberg-57c7d88b5f9b5829f412abaa.JPG" width="250" height="257" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.202" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/CI-sspCNSZX4cq7_HgfODXBxuHA=/250x257/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Heisenberg-57c7d88b5f9b5829f412abaa.JPG" width="250" height="257" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Understanding the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_6-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_6-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699355" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-quantum-entanglement-2699355" data-ordinal="6" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:69.3%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/RDJTpn78wLDSq2soGXxcS1gn3JI=/250x1386/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-623682717-596300c55f9b583f180dd5d0.jpg" width="250" height="1386" alt="Quantum entanglement" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.443" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/RDJTpn78wLDSq2soGXxcS1gn3JI=/250x1386/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-623682717-596300c55f9b583f180dd5d0.jpg" width="250" height="1386" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="Quantum entanglement" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Quantum Entanglement in Physics</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_7-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_7-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699361" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-quantum-optics-2699361" data-ordinal="7" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:62.8%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/nQqeSRWbhkf23xNnWW9KGyZh_qg=/250x3137/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wispy-blue-glowing-flame-fractal-92264477-5c549cc046e0fb0001c080ac.jpg" width="250" height="3137" alt="Wispy blue glowing flame fractal" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.591" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/nQqeSRWbhkf23xNnWW9KGyZh_qg=/250x3137/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/wispy-blue-glowing-flame-fractal-92264477-5c549cc046e0fb0001c080ac.jpg" width="250" height="3137" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="Wispy blue glowing flame fractal" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">What Is Quantum Optics?</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_8-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_8-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699279" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/does-quantum-physics-prove-gods-existence-2699279" data-ordinal="8" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:63.8%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/z0Sj_X7ocrEDWSeEcM-ZuHhSuig=/250x2522/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sun-rays-breaking-through-cloud-83292879-57964a303df78ceb8611a97e.jpg" width="250" height="2522" alt="Sun rays breaking through cloud" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.566" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/z0Sj_X7ocrEDWSeEcM-ZuHhSuig=/250x2522/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/sun-rays-breaking-through-cloud-83292879-57964a303df78ceb8611a97e.jpg" width="250" height="2522" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="Sun rays breaking through cloud" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Using Quantum Physics to "Prove" God's Existence</span></div> </div> </a></li></ul> <div id="reference-outbrain_2-0" class="comp reference-outbrain mntl-outbrain"> <div class="OUTBRAIN js-outbrain-widget" data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304" data-widget-id="AR_2"></div> </div> <ul id="mntl-masonry-tax-card-list_2-0" class="comp mntl-masonry-tax-card-list mntl-masonry-card-list mntl-masonry-list mntl-block masonry-list"><li id="masonry-list__item_9-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_9-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2698801" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/is-consciousness-related-to-quantum-physics-2698801" data-ordinal="1" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:68.3%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/t65dx3RNMr4-jhYMoCluP-aC3LU=/250x3369/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/quantum-physics-formulas-over-blackboard-187852370-579632175f9b58173bbafc77.jpg" width="250" height="3369" alt="Quantum physics formulas over blackboard" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.463" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/t65dx3RNMr4-jhYMoCluP-aC3LU=/250x3369/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/quantum-physics-formulas-over-blackboard-187852370-579632175f9b58173bbafc77.jpg" width="250" height="3369" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="Quantum physics formulas over blackboard" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Can Quantum Physics Be Used to Explain the Existence of Consciousness?</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_10-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_10-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699186" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/epr-paradox-in-physics-2699186" data-ordinal="2" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:69.2%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/FWN5jS-t_LXzDaXAq13IsNRIh9E=/250x1441/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-623682717-57dd5b693df78c9ccef52b71.jpg" width="250" height="1441" alt="The EPR Paradox is a thought experiment that demonstrates quantum entanglement of particles." class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.443" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/FWN5jS-t_LXzDaXAq13IsNRIh9E=/250x1441/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-623682717-57dd5b693df78c9ccef52b71.jpg" width="250" height="1441" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="The EPR Paradox is a thought experiment that demonstrates quantum entanglement of particles." /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">EPR Paradox in Physics</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_11-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_11-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699037" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/wave-particle-duality-2699037" data-ordinal="3" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:76.9%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/UimTTYJALLFC7ivzx2rLw8GVwYc=/250x1519/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-172417620-58022a153df78cbc28d09f78.jpg" width="250" height="1519" alt="Illustration of blue wave shapes and a bright light" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.3" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/UimTTYJALLFC7ivzx2rLw8GVwYc=/250x1519/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-172417620-58022a153df78cbc28d09f78.jpg" width="250" height="1519" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="Illustration of blue wave shapes and a bright light" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Wave Particle Duality and How It Works</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_12-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_12-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2698856" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-hawking-radiation-2698856" data-ordinal="4" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:56.2%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/LgRu5enHeK6vnGV8jsiZJgrkU_Q=/250x2366/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spiral-galaxy-and-black-hole-545863913-57963d615f9b58461fbf8901.jpg" width="250" height="2366" alt="Spiral galaxy and black hole" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.779" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/LgRu5enHeK6vnGV8jsiZJgrkU_Q=/250x2366/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/spiral-galaxy-and-black-hole-545863913-57963d615f9b58461fbf8901.jpg" width="250" height="2366" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="Spiral galaxy and black hole" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Cosmology & Astrophysics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Black Holes and Hawking Radiation</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_13-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_13-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2698883" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/the-history-of-gravity-2698883" data-ordinal="5" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:70.0%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/m6nfY7vpkuMqAZ2_ROcRttdnQXU=/250x1400/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-537251933-596e2f2b396e5a0011315a56.jpg" width="250" height="1400" alt="People falling" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.429" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/m6nfY7vpkuMqAZ2_ROcRttdnQXU=/250x1400/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-537251933-596e2f2b396e5a0011315a56.jpg" width="250" height="1400" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="People falling" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Physics Laws, Concepts, and Principles"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">The History of Gravity</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_14-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_14-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699378" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/einsteins-theory-of-relativity-2699378" data-ordinal="6" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:66.6%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/FANV-CH59lopIMTM-lsElUS2wTY=/250x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-183748454-f5da71b201724c6ab86bb9f145f35cef.jpg" width="250" height="1414" alt="woman writing theory of relativity" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.5" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/FANV-CH59lopIMTM-lsElUS2wTY=/250x1414/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-183748454-f5da71b201724c6ab86bb9f145f35cef.jpg" width="250" height="1414" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="woman writing theory of relativity" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Physics Laws, Concepts, and Principles"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Einstein's Theory of Relativity</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_15-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_15-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699221" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/television-shows-for-physicists-2699221" data-ordinal="7" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:147.0%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/-teetWJnFJjW7Na7HPFiN594b5Q=/250x297/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JimParsons-56a72ba95f9b58b7d0e788ff.jpg" width="250" height="297" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="0.68" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/-teetWJnFJjW7Na7HPFiN594b5Q=/250x297/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/JimParsons-56a72ba95f9b58b7d0e788ff.jpg" width="250" height="297" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Television Shows for Physicists</span></div> </div> </a></li> <li id="masonry-list__item_16-0" class="comp masonry-list__item mntl-block"><a id="mntl-card_16-0" class="comp mntl-card mntl-document-card is-inverted-small card card--no-image" data-doc-id="2699359" data-tax-levels href="https://www.thoughtco.com/what-is-a-quantum-computer-2699359" data-ordinal="8" data-cta="Read Now ▸"> <div class="loc card__top"><div class="card__media mntl-universal-image universal-image__container"><div class="img-placeholder" style="padding-bottom:56.2%;"> <img data-src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/dpHBUeghIAwO5q5psv7lQCv6rjY=/250x540/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fractal-1240809_960_720-5945b0553df78c537b97f27e.jpg" width="250" height="540" alt="Quantum computer illustration" class="lazyload card__img universal-image__image" data-dim-ratio="1.778" /> <noscript> <img src="https://www.thoughtco.com/thmb/dpHBUeghIAwO5q5psv7lQCv6rjY=/250x540/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/fractal-1240809_960_720-5945b0553df78c537b97f27e.jpg" width="250" height="540" class="img--noscript card__img universal-image__image" alt="Quantum computer illustration" /> </noscript> </div></div> </div> <div class="card__content " > <div class="card__header" data-kicker="Quantum Physics"></div> <div class="card__title"><span class="card__title-text ">Quantum Computers and Quantum Physics</span></div> </div> </a></li></ul> <div id="leaderboard2-deferred-footer_1-0" class="comp leaderboard2-deferred-footer mm-ads-leaderboardfooter-flex-2-lazy mm-ads-flexible-leaderboard-lazy mm-ads-flexible-leaderboard mm-ads-flexible-ad mm-ads-gpt-adunit js-lazy-ad has-right-label leaderboard gpt leaderboard dynamic"> <div id="leaderboardfooter-flex-2" class="wrapper" data-type="leaderboard" data-pos="atf" data-priority="1" data-sizes="[[728, 90], [970, 250], "fluid"]" data-rtb="true" data-wait-for-third-party="false" data-targeting="{}"></div> </div></section></div> </main><footer id="footer_1-0" class="comp footer mntl-footer" role="contentinfo" data-tracking-container="true"> <div class="mntl-footer__inner"> <div class="mntl-footer__primary"> <div class="mntl-footer__logo"> <a href="/" rel="home nocaes" id="mntl-logo_1-0" aria-label="Visit the homepage" > <div class="is-screenreader-only">ThoughtCo</div> <svg class="icon icon-logo " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-logo" href="#icon-logo"></use> </svg></a> </div> <div class="mntl-footer__social"> <div id="mntl-footer-social_1-0" class="comp mntl-footer-social reference-social-nav mntl-social-nav" data-tracking-container="true"> <h2 class="social-nav__title">Follow Us</h2> <ul class="social-nav__list"> <li class="social-nav__item social-nav__item--facebook"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom" target="_blank" rel="noopener nocaes" class="social-nav__link social-nav__link--facebook" aria-label="Visit ThoughtCo's Facebook" > <svg class="icon icon-facebook social-nav__icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-facebook" href="#icon-facebook"></use> </svg> </a> </li> <li class="social-nav__item social-nav__item--flipboard"> <a href="https://flipboard.com/@thoughtco?utm_source=thoughtco&utm_medium=follow&utm_campaign=tools" target="_blank" rel="noopener nocaes" class="social-nav__link social-nav__link--flipboard" aria-label="Visit ThoughtCo's Flipboard" > <svg class="icon icon-flipboard social-nav__icon" > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#icon-flipboard" href="#icon-flipboard"></use> </svg> </a> </li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <div class="mntl-footer__secondary"> <nav id="mntl-footer-nav_1-0" class="comp mntl-footer-nav mntl-block" aria-label="Footer"><ul id="mntl-block_1-0" class="comp mntl-block mntl-footer-nav__list"><li id="mntl-footer-nav__list-item_1-0" class="comp mntl-footer-nav__list-item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/sciences-math-4132465" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_1-0" class="mntl-text-link type--squirrel-link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Science, Tech, Math</span></a></li> <li id="mntl-footer-nav__list-item_2-0" class="comp mntl-footer-nav__list-item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/humanities-4133358" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_2-0" class="mntl-text-link type--squirrel-link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Humanities</span></a></li> <li id="mntl-footer-nav__list-item_3-0" class="comp mntl-footer-nav__list-item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/languages-4133094" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_3-0" class="mntl-text-link type--squirrel-link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Languages</span></a></li> <li id="mntl-footer-nav__list-item_4-0" class="comp mntl-footer-nav__list-item mntl-block"><a href="https://www.thoughtco.com/resources-4132590" rel="nocaes" id="mntl-text-link_4-0" class="mntl-text-link type--squirrel-link" data-tracking-container="true" ><span class="link__wrapper">Resources</span></a></li></ul></nav><ul id="mntl-footer-links_1-0" class="comp mntl-footer-links footer-links"> <li class="mntl-footer-links__item "> <a href="/about-us-4779650" rel="nocaes" data-type="ourStory" data-ordinal="1" class="mntl-footer-links__link type--rabbit-link" data-component="footerLinks" data-source="footerLinks" > About Us </a> </li> <li class="mntl-footer-links__item "> <a href="https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/advertising" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nocaes" data-type="advertise" data-ordinal="1" class="mntl-footer-links__link type--rabbit-link" data-component="footerLinks" data-source="footerLinks" > Advertise </a> </li> <li class="mntl-footer-links__item "> <a href="https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/careers" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nocaes" data-type="careersAtDotDashMeredith" data-ordinal="1" class="mntl-footer-links__link type--rabbit-link" data-component="footerLinks" data-source="footerLinks" > Careers </a> </li> <li class="mntl-footer-links__item "> <a href="https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/brands-privacy" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nocaes" data-type="privacyPolicy" data-ordinal="1" class="mntl-footer-links__link type--rabbit-link" data-component="footerLinks" data-source="footerLinks" > Privacy Policy </a> </li> <li class="mntl-footer-links__item "> <a href="/about-us-4779650#toc-editorial-guidelines" rel="nocaes" data-type="editorialGuidelines" data-ordinal="1" class="mntl-footer-links__link type--rabbit-link" data-component="footerLinks" data-source="footerLinks" > Editorial Guidelines </a> </li> <li class="mntl-footer-links__item "> <a href="/about-us-4779650#toc-contact-us" rel="nocaes" data-type="contact" data-ordinal="1" class="mntl-footer-links__link type--rabbit-link" data-component="footerLinks" data-source="footerLinks" > Contact </a> </li> <li class="mntl-footer-links__item "> <a href="https://www.dotdashmeredith.com/brands-termsofservice" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nocaes" data-type="termsOfService" data-ordinal="1" class="mntl-footer-links__link type--rabbit-link" data-component="footerLinks" data-source="footerLinks" > Terms of Service </a> </li> <li class="mntl-footer-links__item mntl-truste-badge-wrapper"> <div class="loc truste-badge"><div id="mntl-universal-truste-badge_1-0" class="comp mntl-universal-truste-badge mntl-block"><a href="//privacy.truste.com/privacy-seal/validation?rid=e166d0ee-e663-4ad0-9384-f5bd78093a89" target="_blank" rel="noopener nocaes" id="mntl-universal-truste-badge_1-0-link" class="mntl-truste-badge-link" data-tracking-container="true" > <img class="mntl-truste-badge-image lazyload" alt="Access TRUSTe's Enterprise Privacy Certification program" data-src="//privacy-policy.truste.com/privacy-seal/seal?rid=e166d0ee-e663-4ad0-9384-f5bd78093a89" width="100" height="32" /> </a></div> </div> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div class="loc footer-bottom"><div id="mntl-dotdash-universal-nav_1-0" class="comp mntl-dotdash-universal-nav mntl-carbon-dotdash-universal-nav" data-tracking-container="true"> <div class="mntl-dotdash-universal-nav__content"> <svg class="icon mntl-dotdash-universal-nav__logo " > <use xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:href="#mntl-dotdash-universal-nav__logo" href="#mntl-dotdash-universal-nav__logo"></use> </svg> <div class="mntl-dotdash-universal-nav__wrapper"> <div class="mntl-dotdash-universal-nav__text"> ThoughtCo is part of the <a href="https://www.dotdashmeredith.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow nocaes" class="mntl-dotdash-universal-nav__text--link" >Dotdash Meredith</a> publishing family. </div> </div> </div> </div> </div></footer><svg class="is-hidden"> <defs> <symbol id="mntl-sc-block-starrating-icon"> <svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 20 20"> <path d="M0,0v20h20V0H0z M14.2,12.2l1.1,6.3l-5.4-3.2l-5.1,3.2l1-6.3L1.4,8l5.9-0.8l2.6-5.8l2.7,5.8L18.5,8L14.2,12.2z"/> </svg> </symbol> </defs> </svg><script type="text/javascript" data-glb-js="bottom" src="/static/4.43.0/cache/eNqNVG1y4yAMvdAyPkT_7iVkkG0lMkpBJHFPXwxJNnFdNjMeC4n3HujD7qKCku1m8MrY3TymPnaH_HwmDMuf7hWUN5ISkxJG0ydiNRfSyfyKnvPCnMETM5hogzBvUVbmk3j0GjvyisEDdw4HDCu_LAK6BynHTgyLgeRIGlJHULzWdwMFw5CzySDD5I8m4CWQ1pMzasZg8TdMQxWvNQ36qpxS0B_BfwLiEmMBMXzl1FxD-0JuxGy9KA1kM0q86cH7emvCm_OGxIQ0TvoxgR_xL0XFVWMv-NB6EhlZ-tyoCcEV1mr2cIOEOaNXGWATEYKdNu4ezcOZxpJcNyTmPDmI3uToxn2ei9IeznduTdgMYxnMkYa9BqwDChdYfuw9afQQi8TAeKWesd0wR8Ay3kzp_ButiWJprc8EoRz17L9BVxFWOt1t6wNIOkkwd8JhG9nrzf0US1rHrwa2_vbUzQ8mZue49KSxVev4me4lsIbFHk2NtDg-b5wLp64a6UvSPgD5x-I_lz6kuH526IwVTrOPDe0ZoviwlIl8cb4BKlwaRg.min.js" async defer="true"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> Mntl.utilities.scriptsOnLoad(document.querySelectorAll('script[data-glb-js="bottom"]'), function() { var Mntl = window.Mntl || {}; window.Mntl.affiliateLinkRewriter.setMappings( { DOC_ID: '2699304' ,SITE: 'thoughtco' ,REQUEST_ID: 'n0613c324b0e84c25aa3036c13056655921' } );window.Mntl.externalizeLinks.addPlugin(window.Mntl.affiliateLinkRewriter); window.Mntl.externalizeLinks.addPlugin(window.Mntl.amazonAffiliateTagger); window.Mntl.externalizeLinks.init();(function() { var article = document.getElementById('ref-article_1-0'); if (article && !article.gtmPageView) { article.gtmPageView = {"country":"SG","description":"The quantum Zeno effect is a phenomenon in quantum physics. Here's how it works, its origins, and the meaning of anti-Zeno effect.","title":"Quantum Zeno Effect" || document.title || '',"viewType":"","authorId":"18797","documentId":2699304,"contentGroup":"Other","revenueGroup":"","templateName":"STRUCTUREDCONTENT","authorNames":"Andrew Zimmerman Jones","templateId":"110","muid":"30e659fb-5e98-4420-9a5c-e04c6b190aad","lastEditingAuthorId":"18797","lastEditingUserId":"151378030080892","fullUrl":"https://www.thoughtco.com/quantum-zeno-effect-2699304" + location.hash,"experienceType":"single page","entryType":"direct","excludeFromComscore":false,"internalSessionId":"n0613c324b0e84c25aa3036c13056655921","internalRequestId":"n0613c324b0e84c25aa3036c13056655921","hid":"","experienceTypeName":"","recircDocIdsFooter":"","euTrafficFlag":false,"isGoogleBot":false,"mantleVersion":"4.0.860","commerceVersion":"","primaryTaxonomyNames":"ThoughtCo|Science, Tech, Math|Science|Physics","primaryTaxonomyIds":"4122478|4132465|4132464|4133571"}; } }()); (function(Mntl) { Mntl.Tooltip.init({ defaultPositionX: "auto", defaultPositionY: "auto" }); })(window.Mntl || {}); (function(Mntl) { Mntl.Tooltip.init({ defaultPositionX: "auto", defaultPositionY: "auto" }); })(window.Mntl || {}); (function(utils) { utils.readyOrDeferred(() => { const masonryInstance = document.getElementById('mntl-masonry-tax-card-list_1-0'); if (masonryInstance.dataset.noJs) return; Mntl.MasonryList.init(masonryInstance, {autoResize: false, stretch: '.card__img, .card--no-image .card__content'}); }); })(window.Mntl.utilities || {});(function(utils) { utils.readyOrDeferred(() => { const masonryInstance = document.getElementById('mntl-masonry-tax-card-list_2-0'); if (masonryInstance.dataset.noJs) return; Mntl.MasonryList.init(masonryInstance, {autoResize: false, stretch: '.card__img, .card--no-image .card__content'}); }); })(window.Mntl.utilities || {});}); </script></body> </html>