Can someone who knows Quantum Mechanics tell me if this video is a good intro?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the accuracy and accessibility of a YouTube video introducing Quantum Mechanics (QM). Participants explore whether the video is suitable for a 15-year-old and suggest alternative resources for learning QM.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the video's accuracy and seeks feedback on its content, particularly regarding its accessibility for younger audiences.
  • Some participants suggest that while the video explains concepts without math, it may lead to different interpretations for first-time learners.
  • Pro Lewin's lectures are recommended as a more engaging introduction for high school students, emphasizing his enthusiasm for the subject.
  • Prof Binney's course is noted as potentially too advanced for a 15-year-old, as it requires prior knowledge of linear algebra and uses Dirac notation.
  • Popular science books, such as "Quantum Physics: Illusion or Reality?" by A. Rae and "The Quantum World" by John Polkinghorn, are suggested as good introductory resources.
  • One participant critiques the video, stating that not all content is accurate, particularly regarding Schrödinger's Equation and quantization, while acknowledging a good explanation of probability distribution.
  • Another participant disagrees with the critique, asserting that the quantization statements are mostly accurate but finds the explanation of measurement and probability to be problematic.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the video's accuracy and effectiveness as an introduction to QM. There is no consensus on the quality of the video's content, particularly regarding specific concepts like quantization and probability distribution.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the video's explanations may vary in clarity and accuracy, and some suggest that the understanding of QM concepts may depend on the viewer's prior knowledge and background in mathematics.

MattA147
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
Hi guys, I have recently come across a video on YouTube which gives you a brief intro to Quantum Mechanics/Physics. Can someone tell me if this video is accurate? Could someone suggest some introductory reading or resources for learning QM? Is it even accessible to a 15 year old? Should I just wait till uni to learn QM? The video I mentioned is provided in the link below. :) Thanks for any feedback and advice in advance. :)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Pro Lewin's lectures might be better at teaching an introduction:

Lewin is always a good choice, if for no other reason than his enthusiasm for the subject I think is just what a high schooler needs to get excited about the subject.

Prof Binney has a whole QM course available online:

Binney is great too, but way to advanced for a 15 year old, unless he's some kind of prodigy. His class relys on an accompanying linear algebra course which he mentions in the first few lectures, and introducing QM using Dirac notation, as Binney does, is more likely to turn most newbie's off than anything else.

The Brightstorm guy in the video Matt posted is great for all areas of physics as an intro. There are many other of sort of "amateur" presentations of QM on you tube also, some better than others. The key is to keep hunting around until you find someone who you feel is talking your language and at the level you can understand.
 
MattA147 said:
Can someone tell me if this video is accurate?
Yes it is.

MattA147 said:
Could someone suggest some introductory reading or resources for learning QM? Is it even accessible to a 15 year old? Should I just wait till uni to learn QM?
I would suggest you to read popular science books on quantum mechanics, such as
A. Rae, Quantum Physics Illusion or Reality?
 
I found 'The Quantum World' by John Polkinghorn to be a very good introduction to quantum mechanics.
 
MattA147 said:
Can someone tell me if this video is accurate?
Not all of it. His statements about Schrödinger's Equation and quantization are the most problematic ones. In contrast, his explanation of probability distribution is pretty good, all things considering.

As far as being a good introduction, not if you actually want to learn it. Best introduction for learning QM is a textbook on QM.
 
Don't forget this one to get your juices flowing =)

 
Last edited by a moderator:
micky_gta said:
Don't forget this one to get your juices flowing =)



Nice animation. Did you notice the "What the Bleep" poster in the background on the wall?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #10
jedishrfu said:
Nice animation. Did you notice the "What the Bleep" poster in the background on the wall?
"What the bleep" is a crackpot movie banned here.
 
  • #11
Evo said:
"What the bleep" is a crackpot movie banned here.

Thanks, Evo. I know that. I just thought it detracted a bit from the animated video.
 
  • #12
K^2 said:
Not all of it. His statements about Schrödinger's Equation and quantization are the most problematic ones. In contrast, his explanation of probability distribution is pretty good, all things considering.

Interestingly, I see it the other way around. I find his statements about quantization mostly accurate and his explanation of measurement and probability problematic.

So what do you consider to be incorrect about his explanation of quantization?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
839
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
5K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
4K