What are the practical applications of QM and QFT?

In summary, QM and QFT have a wide range of practical applications, including understanding the double slit experiment, solving for the magnetic moment of the electron, and most or all of chemistry, microelectronics, and solid state physics. While QFT is a more advanced version of QM, both can be used in various fields such as rocket fuel analysis, onboard computer design, and communications for space missions. Additionally, QM is still applicable in certain cases where QFT may not be necessary, such as for computing trajectories of objects.
  • #1
mieral
203
5
Please list all the practical applications of QM and QFT the way you know from memory.. so far the following is what I know.

Practical applications of QM:

1. Understanding the double slit experiment
2. What else? Please enumerate

Practical applications of QFT:

1. Solving for the Magnetic Moment of the Electron
2. What else? Please enumerate
 
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  • #2
mieral said:
Practical applications...
Well, seeing as how chemical bonding is a quantum-mechanical phenomenon...
Most or all of chemistry, most or all of microelectronics, most or all of solid state physics.
 
  • #3
mieral said:
Please list all the practical applications of QM and QFT the way you know from memory..

It might be easier to list things that aren't practical applications of QM and QFT. :wink: Maybe tracking asteroids, since that doesn't involve analyzing their internal structure. But if, for example, we had to send a space mission to divert an asteroid that might come too close to Earth, we'd need QM (in the form of chemistry and analyzing chemical bond energies) to help us find the optimal rocket fuel, and to make the onboard computers work, and for communications, and...
 
  • #4
I know almost all use QM or QFT.. I'd just like to understand their domain of applicability of each. For example. You don't use QFT on computing for trajectories of an object. You use Newtonian physics. So what applications where you can still use Schrodinger Quantum Mechanics. As I understand and I think everyone else. Quantum Mechanics means the plain Schroedinger Equation. While QFT is beyond QM.
 

1. What are some practical applications of quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics has numerous applications in various fields such as telecommunications, electronics, materials science, and medicine. Some specific examples include the development of transistors and microchips, quantum cryptography for secure communication, and the use of quantum dots in medical imaging and drug delivery.

2. How is quantum field theory used in particle physics?

Quantum field theory is the theoretical framework used to describe the behavior of subatomic particles and their interactions. It allows for the prediction and calculation of particle properties and collisions, which is essential for understanding the fundamental forces and particles of the universe.

3. Can quantum mechanics be applied to larger systems and objects?

Yes, while quantum mechanics is often associated with the behavior of subatomic particles, it can also be applied to larger systems and objects. This branch of physics, called quantum physics, has led to the development of technologies such as quantum computing and quantum sensors.

4. How does quantum mechanics explain the wave-particle duality of matter?

Quantum mechanics explains the wave-particle duality of matter through the concept of wavefunctions. These wavefunctions describe the probabilistic nature of particles, where they exist as both waves and particles simultaneously. The exact nature of a particle is only determined upon measurement.

5. What are some potential future applications of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory?

Some potential future applications of quantum mechanics and quantum field theory include the development of more powerful computers and communication devices, advancements in precision measurement and sensing technologies, and potential breakthroughs in understanding the mysteries of the universe, such as dark matter and energy.

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