Aharonov (Aharonov–Bohm effect)

The Aharonov–Bohm effect shows that in quantum physics, particles like electrons can be influenced by electromagnetic fields even when they don’t pass through regions with force — for example, a magnetic field confined inside a tube. When electrons travel around this magnetic region, their wave-like nature causes a change in their interference pattern, demonstrating that the magnetic potential itself (not just the magnetic field) can affect quantum behavior. This reveals that potentials in quantum mechanics have a real physical significance, contrasting with classical views where only fields directly exert forces.