Beginner questions

1. Jun 5, 2006

Helicobacter

1. I've looked at a beginner guide to quantum mechanics and a saw the probability illustration of an atom. It didn't seem quite continuous what leads me to the question: Is the motion of quantums discrete?

2. How do we know quants exist if we can't see them?

3. How do I have to visualize electromagnetic waves? After all, they have to be spacial, and space can be displayed with geometry - and geometry is rational. How thick are the layer waves in width? What's the radial displacement angle between two electromagnetic waves emitted from a diffuse light source? If they are an in-between of particle and waves: What is the in-between?

2. Jun 6, 2006

Allanon

Question number 3 is something I've been pondering about myself. For some reason or another I feel the need to visualize everything in my head for better understanding :)

3. Jun 6, 2006

Perturbation

An electromagnetic wave consists of two perpendicular waves: an electrostatic and magnetic field. They obey Maxwell's equations.

4. Jun 8, 2006

Helicobacter

Like this:
http://img122.imageshack.us/img122/6122/elec7zg.jpg [Broken]
?

Last edited by a moderator: May 2, 2017
5. Jun 8, 2006

6. Jun 8, 2006

Awatarn

Indeed not only the motion of quantum world but the motion of classical world are also discreat. For example, the energy of system of harmonic oscilator $$E=\frac{p^2}{2m} + \frac{1}{2}kx^2$$ is not continuous ;but, the discreated value is very small which is in magnitude of plank's constant. For quantum scale, this value is obvious.

For the second question, I think the word of 'quants' mean to quanta. No one could see a quanta. It is just only the human idea for describe the nature. Luckily, it seems to quite paint the real picture of god.

Finally, the derivation of Maxwell equations can write:
$$\vec{B}=\hat{k} \times \vec{E}$$
the magnetic field is perpendicular to the electric field.

7. Jun 8, 2006

Helicobacter

So everything in our visible universe is basically just appearing and diappearing tiny parts of matter, i.e. quanta?
I don't know any scientific constants except pi and e, hahaha, I'm not in college yet

O.k. you got me on that one, but:

the singular of quanta is a quantum :p