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What Is Quantum Physics

Quantum physics studies the behavior of matter and energy at atomic and subatomic levels, contrasting with classical physics. Key developments include Planck's introduction of energy quanta, Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect, and Bohr's atomic model. Core principles of quantum mechanics include wave-particle duality, quantum superposition, the wave function, quantum entanglement, and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.

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2 views

What Is Quantum Physics

Quantum physics studies the behavior of matter and energy at atomic and subatomic levels, contrasting with classical physics. Key developments include Planck's introduction of energy quanta, Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect, and Bohr's atomic model. Core principles of quantum mechanics include wave-particle duality, quantum superposition, the wave function, quantum entanglement, and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.

Uploaded by

Ngoc Duy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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🔹 What Is Quantum Physics?

Quantum physics is the branch of physics that deals with the


behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales—typically at
the level of atoms and subatomic particles (like electrons, photons, etc.).
It contrasts with classical physics, which governs larger, everyday
objects.

In the quantum world, things behave in ways that seem completely


counterintuitive based on our everyday experience.

🔹 Historical Background

Before quantum physics, scientists used classical mechanics (Newton’s


laws) and electromagnetism (Maxwell’s equations) to explain physical
phenomena. But at the turn of the 20th century, certain observations
couldn’t be explained by these classical theories.

Key events that led to quantum theory:

1. Blackbody Radiation

Physicists noticed that when objects are heated, they emit radiation with a
specific spectrum. Classical physics predicted that this energy should go
to infinity at short wavelengths—a problem called the ultraviolet
catastrophe.

Max Planck solved this in 1900 by proposing that energy is not


continuous, but comes in discrete "packets" called quanta. He introduced
a constant (now known as Planck’s constant, h) and the idea that
energy = hf (where f is frequency). This was the birth of quantum theory.

2. Photoelectric Effect

In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed that light also behaves as particles


(called photons) to explain how electrons are emitted from metals when
hit by light. This behavior couldn’t be explained by thinking of light as just
a wave.

This confirmed that light has both particle and wave-like properties
—a concept known as wave-particle duality.

3. Atomic Spectra

When elements are heated, they emit light at specific wavelengths—


discrete lines. Niels Bohr proposed a model of the atom in 1913 where
electrons orbit the nucleus in specific “quantized” energy levels.
🔹 Core Principles of Quantum Physics

Now let’s dig into the core principles that define quantum mechanics.

1. Wave-Particle Duality

 Particles (like electrons, photons) can behave like waves.

 Waves (like light) can behave like particles.

 This was confirmed by the double-slit experiment: When


electrons pass through two slits, they form an interference
pattern—like waves. But when observed, they act like particles.

This suggests that the act of measurement itself changes the


outcome—a key feature of quantum systems.

2. Quantum Superposition

 A quantum particle can exist in multiple states at the same time


—until measured.

 Example: Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment—where a cat is


both alive and dead until observed.

A particle like an electron doesn't have a definite position or momentum


until you measure it. Instead, it exists in a superposition of all possible
states.

3. The Wave Function (Ψ)

 Introduced by Erwin Schrödinger in 1926.

 Describes the probability amplitude of a quantum system.

 The square of the wave function (|Ψ|²) gives the probability


density—the likelihood of finding a particle at a specific place.

The evolution of the wave function over time is given by the Schrödinger
Equation:

iℏ∂Ψ∂t=H^Ψi\hbar \frac{\partial \Psi}{\partial t} = \hat{H}\Psiiℏ∂t∂Ψ


=H^Ψ

Where:

 ℏ\hbarℏ = reduced Planck constant

 H^\hat{H}H^ = Hamiltonian (total energy operator)


 Ψ\PsiΨ = wave function

4. Quantum Entanglement

 When two particles become entangled, their states are linked—


even across vast distances.

 Measuring one instantly determines the state of the other, no


matter how far apart they are.

Einstein called this “spooky action at a distance,” but it’s been


experimentally verified many times.

5. Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle

 Proposed by Werner Heisenberg in 1927.

 You can’t precisely know both the position and momentum of a


particle at the same time.

Δx⋅Δp≥ℏ2\Delta x \cdot \Delta p \geq \frac{\hbar}{2}Δx⋅Δp≥2ℏ

This means the more precisely you know a particle’s position, the less you
know about its momentum—and vice versa.

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