- #31
tridianprime
- 102
- 3
romsofia said:
No, it's in OCR-MEI not OCR. It's awkward to find a link right now because I am on my phone but there is a spec somewhere. Thanks.
Attempting to learn a little bit of Quantum physics at 17
- Thread starter tomh5432
- Start date
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- Bit Physics Quantum Quantum physics
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around a 17-year-old participant seeking resources to learn quantum physics and advanced mathematics in preparation for studying theoretical physics at university. The conversation includes recommendations for educational materials, the relevance of prior mathematical knowledge, and the challenges of preparing for university-level physics.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Technical explanation
- Homework-related
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses a desire to learn quantum physics despite having only an AS level understanding of mathematics.
- Another participant suggests resources for multivariable calculus and linear algebra, emphasizing the importance of problem-solving alongside video lectures.
- Some participants recommend the book "Thinking Physics" as a fun introduction to general physics.
- There is a discussion about the absence of formal quantum mechanics education at the A Level, with some participants asserting that it is only superficially covered.
- Participants mention the necessity of understanding classical physics concepts, such as E=hf, before tackling more advanced quantum mechanics.
- Several participants share links to online lectures and courses for classical mechanics, highlighting the quality of specific educators like Walter Lewin.
- One participant discusses their personal journey in learning physics and their aspirations for university, expressing concerns about self-belief and university admissions.
- Another participant shares insights from their communication with university admissions staff, suggesting that grades are not the sole factor in the admissions process.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants generally agree on the importance of foundational knowledge in mathematics and classical physics for studying quantum mechanics. However, there is no consensus on the specifics of what is taught at the A Level regarding quantum mechanics, leading to some disagreement on the depth of coverage.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference various educational resources and personal experiences, but there are limitations in terms of the specific mathematical prerequisites for quantum mechanics and the varying educational standards across different curricula.
Who May Find This Useful
This discussion may be useful for high school students interested in pursuing physics at the university level, particularly those seeking guidance on foundational mathematics and resources for learning quantum physics.
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