What is Quantum and general physics: Definition and 149 Discussions

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that provides a description of the physical properties of nature at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles. It is the foundation of all quantum physics including quantum chemistry, quantum field theory, quantum technology, and quantum information science.
Classical physics, the description of physics that existed before the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics, describes many aspects of nature at an ordinary (macroscopic) scale, while quantum mechanics explains the aspects of nature at small (atomic and subatomic) scales, for which classical mechanics is insufficient. Most theories in classical physics can be derived from quantum mechanics as an approximation valid at large (macroscopic) scale.Quantum mechanics differs from classical physics in that energy, momentum, angular momentum, and other quantities of a bound system are restricted to discrete values (quantization), objects have characteristics of both particles and waves (wave-particle duality), and there are limits to how accurately the value of a physical quantity can be predicted prior to its measurement, given a complete set of initial conditions (the uncertainty principle).
Quantum mechanics arose gradually from theories to explain observations which could not be reconciled with classical physics, such as Max Planck's solution in 1900 to the black-body radiation problem, and the correspondence between energy and frequency in Albert Einstein's 1905 paper which explained the photoelectric effect. These early attempts to understand microscopic phenomena, now known as the "old quantum theory", led to the full development of quantum mechanics in the mid-1920s by Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, Werner Heisenberg, Max Born and others. The modern theory is formulated in various specially developed mathematical formalisms. In one of them, a mathematical entity called the wave function provides information, in the form of probability amplitudes, about what measurements of a particle's energy, momentum, and other physical properties may yield.

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  1. Vamsi9955

    B How can string theory be proved

    The fundamental building blocks of the universe is thought of super strings, if proved can solve the mysteries of the universe but if proved than how? And how can it solve the mysteries of dark energy &dark matter and black holes?
  2. Vamsi9955

    I The energy released from antimatter annihilation -- New uses?

    The pure energy released from antimatter annihilation can there be any use of this clean energy for research purposes like the use of light in LIGWO for gravitational waves study can we use it efficiently like light in LIGWO I think we can and it could lead us to reveal mysteries of universe
  3. H

    A What is the functional representation of D(E) for a given energy interval?

    Data = np.array([-1.61032636, -1.23577245, -0.50587484, -0.28348457, -0.18748945, 0.4537447, 1.2338455, 2.13535718]) print("Data is: ", Data) print(Data.shape) n,bins,patches = plt.hist(Data,bins=4) print("n: ",n) print("bins: ",bins) plt.savefig("./DOS")
  4. P

    A Relativistic derivation of E=1/2MV^2 from QFT or Diriac or other

    It is easy to derive E=1/2mv^2 from the Schroedinger equation for the nonrelativistic one dimensional case where e^ipx-iEt/\hbar is the free traveling wave function: i\hbar x -iE/\hbar x e^ipx-iEt/\hbar = - - \hbar^2/2m x p^2/2m x e^ipx-iEt/\hbar which reduces to E=1/2mv^2 Where should I start...
  5. P

    Finding the unitary matrix for a beam splitter

    Hello, I have some trouble understanding how to construct the matrix for the beam splitter (in a Mach-Zehnder interferometer). I started with deciding my input and output states for the photon. I then use Borns rule, which I have attached below: To get the following for the state space...
  6. C

    Courses Course advice for an enthusiast

    Hey all, firstly let me give some background, i`m a Cloud Computing Engineer and have been in the I.T. industry for the past 20 years since I left university. I have always had an interest in science and astronomy (My dad was a keen amateur astronomer) but never really taken it very seriously...
  7. H

    B Taking Quantum Computers into Space

    Can the low temperatures in Space be employed to cool a Quantum computer installed on an operational Space vessel doing away with the need of a super fridge or whatever they use here on Earth? Thank you.
  8. GANTI_RAVITEJA

    I One-Dimensional System: Boundary Condition Applicability

    In one dimensional system the boundary condition that the derivative of the wave function Ψ(x) should be continuous at every point is applicable whenever?
  9. Zeynel

    I Transistors and Quantum Physics

    My question is: What is the contribution of Quantum Physics to the discovery, of the transistor? In Adam Becker's book What is real? I read that, "the discovery of quantum physics in the early twentieth century led directly to the [discovery] of silicon transistors..." He implies that, the...
  10. L

    Help with finding the expectation value of x^2

    The question is as follows: A particle of mass m has the wave function psi(x, t) = A * e^( -a ( ( m*x^2 / hbar) +i*t ) ) where A and a are positive real constants. i don't know how to format my stuff on this website, so it may be a bit harder to read. Generally when i write "int" i mean the...
  11. M

    What is quantum physics and how can I learn more about it?

    So I love Quantum but unfortunately I don't have much idea of what its about. I would love to grasp the concept better. Can anyone discuss it with me?
  12. C

    I Why limited discussion of only looking at history

    When you look at a bird in a tree with binoculars, that is not the bird as it exists at the moment but the bird that was there before the light traveled to the scope, which for practical purposes is the bird. You can shoot the bird of before, and it will fall to the ground. However, when you...
  13. Hawkingo

    I Want some suggestions for research papers on quantum entanglement

    I want to know more about quantum entanglement and I am a undergrad student in physics.Can someone suggest some research journals or articles to easily understand the concept deeply?
  14. Sophrosyne

    B How to think of molecular orbitals quantum mechanically

    The electrons in a molecule are said to be in a quantum superposition state in terms of their position/spin/momentum. But when you look at a molecule like water at a chemical level, it has a very specific shape corresponding to the P orbitals of the outer shell of the Oxygen atom. The two...
  15. Danny Boy

    A Quantum synchronization description used in a paper

    In the paper "Steady-state spin synchronization through the collective motion of trapped ions" it states the following: "Steady-state synchronization of atomic dipoles forms the foundation for ultra-stable optical lasers utilizing narrow-linewidth atoms coupled to a lossy cavity mode. The...
  16. C

    B Treating a galaxy as a quantum system

    If a wave function could be assigned to a whole galaxy, would its mass spread along the wave? Could this account for the anomalies in our calculations for galactic spin?
  17. kenneththo85431

    Describing Electronic orbit in 3D space using A matrix.

    I've plotted out the trajectory of an imaginary electron in 3D; next I represent it's points with the matrix A(x1 y1 z1) "throughout it's orbit": ( -1/2 -1 1 ( -2 -1.5 2 (-1/2 2 3...
  18. Danny Boy

    A What is quantum synchronization?

    Can someone provide a clear basic description or reference to how the phenomena of synchronization manifests at the quantum scale? Thanks.
  19. Jaden159

    A Is energy contained in matter wave equals hv like EM waves?

    h is plank constant and v is frequency. I was using this to derive the TDSE. But I ran into problem because to substitute k^2 in E=h^2/8mpi^2 * k^2, I can use single derivative of psi squared or double derivative, both of which tend to give the correct answer. So, is my assumption of energy...
  20. Dennis Plews

    A Reproducing Quantum Experiments

    The Nature (Sept 4, 2009), (Science News, Oct. 24, 2009) article on the violation of Bell’s Inequality in Josephson phase quibits exquisitely demonstrated by Dr. John Martinis with his Martinis Group at UC Santa Barbara and Dr. Chris Monroe’s “Schrödinger’s Cat” demonstration with a Be+ ion...
  21. twist.1995

    A Restricted Open Shell Hartree Fock Method

    Hello, dear scientists and forum users. I have recently finished programming the restricted closed-shell and unrestricted Hartree-Fock matrix equations. They seem to work fine for small diatomic molecules. However, I cannot understand the restricted open-shell theory that was firstly published...
  22. twist.1995

    A Symmetry Considerations in Hartree-Fock-Roothaan Method

    Hello, dear Quantum Chemists or Physicists. I have been extensively researching the restricted closed-shell Hartree-Fock method, and wrote a code that is working for diatomic molecules, like H2 or He2++. I, however, have a few unresolved questions that do not allow me to proceed further in...
  23. Bobs

    Quantum version of Larmor precession

    Homework Statement Homework Equations I didn't get what this actually means. The Attempt at a Solution I'm not sure whether it is correct. Could you take a look? Regards!
  24. S

    I What exactly is Weizsäcker's ur-alternatives theory?

    What is exactly Weizsäcker's ur-alternatives theory? How is it related to digital physics theories? Is it related to pancomputationalism? Does it defend that a universe can be described as being fundamentally made of qubits? Would this mean that that universe would be fundamentally made by...
  25. meyol99

    A Atomic state that is a coherent superposition?

    Can someone explain the meaning of the k vector and the general meaning of this equation?
  26. HastiM

    Electrons excited by absorption of a photon in Mg

    Homework Statement The total spin of an Mg atom is zero and remains zero after absorption or emission of a photon. To which states can one of the electrons in the outer shell get by absorption of a single photon: 4s, 5s, 3p, 4p, 3d, 4d?2. The attempt at a solution I am not sure which of the...
  27. patric44

    I What is the physical meaning of Bogoliubov transformation?

    hi guys i recently was reading about hawking radiation and how he overcome the lack of a theory for quantum gravity by using a mathematical trick ( to see the effect of gravity on quantum fields ) and this trick was the Bogoliubov transformation ... , i just want some one to briefly explain...
  28. S

    Young's double slit experiment green laser

    Homework Statement If a green laser is (wavelength = 532nm) sent through two slits with a separation of 127 um, how wide (in total) would the 11 green dots formed be if they were projected onto a screen 1.25m away from the slits? Refer to this diagram sorry for bad quality...
  29. Safder Aree

    Normalization of wave function

    Homework Statement I have the wave function Ae^(ikx)*cos(pix/L) defined at -L/2 <= x <= L/2. and 0 for all other x. The question is: A proton is in a time-independent one-dimensional potential well.What is the probability that the proton is located between x = − L/4 and x = L/4 ? Homework...
  30. Danny Boy

    A Equation in a paper about Dicke states

    Can anyone with basic knowledge of Dicke States assist with explaining how we arrive at equation (4) in the paper 'Entanglement detection in the vicinity of arbitrary Dicke states': <Moderator's note: link fixed> $$\langle J^2_{x} \rangle_{\mu} = \sum_{i_1,i_2} \langle J_{xi_{_1}} \rangle_{\mu}...
  31. B

    I Can the Schrodinger equation satisfy Laplace's equation?

    The time-dependent Schrodinger equation is given by: ##-\frac{\hslash^{2}}{2m}\triangledown^{2}\psi+V\psi=i\hslash\frac{\partial }{\partial t}\psi## Obviously, there is a laplacian in the kinetic energy operator. So, I was wondering if the equation was rearranged as...
  32. Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 1 - The Law of Gravitation

    Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 1 - The Law of Gravitation

    Lecture Series: Character of Physical Law
  33. Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 2 - The Relation of Mathematics to Physics

    Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 2 - The Relation of Mathematics to Physics

    Lecture Series: Character of Physical Law
  34. Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 3 - The Great Conservation Principles

    Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 3 - The Great Conservation Principles

    Lecture Series: Character of Physical Law
  35. Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 4 - Symmetry in Physical Law

    Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 4 - Symmetry in Physical Law

    Lecture Series: Character of Physical Law
  36. Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 5 -The Distinction of Past and Future

    Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 5 -The Distinction of Past and Future

    Lecture Series: Character of Physical Law
  37. Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 6 - Probability and Uncertainty

    Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 6 - Probability and Uncertainty

    Lecture Series: Character of Physical Law
  38. Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 7 - Seeking New Laws

    Richard Feynman - Character of Physical Law lecture series: Lecture 7 - Seeking New Laws

    Lecture Series: Character of Physical Law
  39. Danny Boy

    A Probability of obtaining general quantum measurement outcome

    The Fundamental Theorem of Quantum Measurement is stated as follows: Every set of operators ##\{ A_n \}## ##n =1,...,N## that satisfies ##\sum_n A_n^{\dagger}A_n = I## describes a possible measurement on a quantum system, where the measurement has ##n## possible outcomes labeled by ##n##. If...
  40. I

    Two States of Polarization of EM Waves

    I am studying about the cavity radiation inside a metallic cube. In the textbook it states that there are two independent waves corresponding to the two possible states of polarization of electromagnetic waves. What does it mean by this? (My current assumption is the phase change of the waves)...
  41. Danny Boy

    A Fundamental Theorem of Quantum Measurements

    The Fundamental Theorem of Quantum Measurements (see page 25 of these PDF notes) is given as follows: Every set of operators ##\{A_n \}_n## where ##n=1,...,N## that satisfies ##\sum_{n}A_{n}A^{\dagger}_{n} = I##, describes a possible measurement on a quantum system, where the measurement has...
  42. Danny Boy

    A Defining Krauss operators with normal distribution

    I am interested in defining Krauss operators which allow you to define quantum measurements peaked at some basis state. To this end I am considering the Normal Distribution. Consider a finite set of basis states ##\{ |x \rangle\}_x## and a set of quantum measurement operators of the form $$A_C =...
  43. Danny Boy

    A How Do Quantum Measurements Impact System Coherence?

    The following, regarding quantum measurement, is stated in the paper "Limitation on the amount of accessible information in a quantum channel" : "Our discussion of measurement will be based on a specific physical model of measurement, to which we now turn. Suppose we have a quantum system ##Q##...
  44. D fatima

    Researching & Publishing a Physics Paper as an Undergraduate

    Hi ! I want to do research and publish a research paper on a topic related to physics . I am an undergraduate student , but I am much interested in research work. Kindly suggest me a topic on which I should do research ? And how much time will it take for the complete my research work ?
  45. SemM

    A What separates Hilbert space from other spaces?

    Hi, I have the impression that the special thing about Hilbert space for Quantum Mechanics is that it is simply an infinite space, which allows for infinitively integration and derivation of its elements, f(x), g(x), their linear combination, or any other complex function, given that the main...
  46. M

    Quantum Jump that produces an infrared line?

    1. A certain type of atom has only four energy levels, as shown in the diagram. The "spectral lines" produces by this element are all visible, except for one infrared line. The quantum jump that produces the infrared line is: (see attached file) A) state 4 to 3.B) state 4 to 1.C) state 2 to 1...
  47. Jianphys17

    Is understanding analytical mechanics essential for studying QM?

    Hi at all. I'm wondered is necessary learn well analytical mechanic ( eg learning The Goldstein's book), for understand and study QM ?
  48. A

    Diatomic Hydrogen Molecule

    Homework Statement Consider an ##H_2## molecule where the protons are separated by a wide distance R and both are located on the z-axis. Ignoring the spin degrees of freedom and treating the dipole-dipole interaction as a perturbation, use perturbation theory to estimate an upper limit for the...
  49. SunRay-dvsh

    A Why light beams attract or repel each other even when they don't have charge

    Hi, Can someone please explain as to why light beams attract or repel each other even when they don't have charge. Seems like it behaves like two current carrying parallel wires. There is very little material about this which goes completely above the head. Thanks
  50. T

    Expectation of energy for a wave function

    Homework Statement At ##t = 0##, a particle of mass m in the harmonic oscillator potential, ##V(x) = \frac1 2 mw^2x^2## has the wave function:$$\psi(x,0)=A(1-2\sqrt\frac{mw} {\hbar} x)^2e^{\frac{-mw}{2\hbar}x^2}$$ where A is a constant If we make a measurement of the energy, what possible...
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