Quantum Physics
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wewivwQuantum Physics
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wewivwQuantum physics (or quantum mechanics) is the branch of physics that describes the
behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales—typically atoms and subatomic
particles like electrons and photons. Unlike classical physics, which follows deterministic laws
(e.g., Newton’s mechanics), quantum physics introduces probabilistic and wave-like behavior.
Here are the key fundamentals:
1. Wave-Particle Duality
• Particles act like both waves and particles.
◦ Light (classically a wave) behaves as particles (photons) in the photoelectric
effect (Einstein’s explanation).
◦ Electrons (classically particles) exhibit wave-like interference patterns in the
double-slit experiment.
◦ This duality is captured by the de Broglie hypothesis:
where is wavelength, is Planck’s constant, and is momentum.
2. Quantization
• Certain properties (like energy) are quantized, meaning they can only take discrete
values.
◦ Example: Electrons in an atom occupy fixed energy levels (Bohr model).
Transitions between levels emit/absorb photons of specific frequencies.
◦ Planck’s relation:
where is frequency.
3. Uncertainty Principle (Heisenberg)
• It’s impossible to simultaneously know certain pairs of properties (e.g., position and
momentum) with absolute precision.
(where ).
◦ This isn’t due to measurement flaws but is a fundamental limit of nature.
4. Superposition
• Quantum systems can exist in multiple states at once until measured.
◦ Schrödinger’s cat: A thought experiment where a cat is simultaneously alive and
dead until observed.
◦ Mathematically, states are described by wavefunctions ( ) that are linear
combinations (superpositions) of possible states.
5. Entanglement
• When particles interact, their states can become correlated (entangled), even across
large distances.
◦ Measuring one particle instantly determines the state of the other (Einstein called
this “spooky action at a distance”).
◦ Basis for quantum computing and cryptography.
6. Wavefunction & Probability
• The wavefunction ( ) describes a quantum system. Its square ( ) gives the
probability density of finding a particle in a certain state.
◦ Governed by the Schrödinger equation:
where is the Hamiltonian (energy operator).
7. Collapse of the Wavefunction
• Upon measurement, the wavefunction “collapses” to a definite state (eigenstate).
◦ This is the core of the Copenhagen interpretation (though other interpretations
exist, like Many-Worlds).
8. Quantum Tunneling
• Particles can “tunnel” through energy barriers even if classically forbidden.
◦ Critical in nuclear fusion (Sun’s energy), transistors, and scanning tunneling
microscopes.
Key Implications
• Quantum Computing: Uses qubits (superposition states) for parallel processing.
• Quantum Field Theory: Extends quantum mechanics to fields (e.g., quantum
electrodynamics).
• Bell’s Theorem: Proves quantum mechanics cannot be explained by local hidden
variables.
Why It’s Weird
Quantum physics defies classical intuition:
• Particles don’t have definite properties until measured.
• Reality is probabilistic, not deterministic.
• Entanglement suggests non-locality.
Yet, it’s the most accurately tested theory in science (e.g., predicts the electron’s magnetic
moment to 12 decimal places).
