The Superposition of States in Quantum Physics

In quantum physics, small particles don't exist in an exact location but instead their position is represented by a wave function. Until we observe the atom and pin it down to a definite location, it exists probabilistically in all of its possible locations at the same time. Once observed, those many different possibilities collapse into just one reality according to some physicists. Other physicists adopt a view that cohesively integrates with the study of consciousness and idealism. It's essential that these different timelines are stacked on top of each other and interacting because you would get the interference patterns. These alternate realities only exist hypothetically.