Exploring Quantum Mechanics: Practice Problems and Theories Behind Equations

In summary, if you're a high school student trying to learn quantum mechanics, you should first study classical mechanics, and then learn bra ket notation. You can find a resource on how to do this at MathPages.com. The book "Quantum Mechanics" by J.J. Sakurai is a more in-depth resource, but may be too advanced for a High School student.
  • #1
physicist 53
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Hello there, I'm new. I'm a high school student, currently in a physics class, trying to teach himself some basic quantum mechanics. My teacher can offer limited assistance, since she doesn't want to force the rest of class to do this stuff, and considers me slightly mentally ill for attempting to learn it on my own. Can you guys give me any examples of practice problems for the math on things like relativistic momentum, photon energy, and photon momentum? Preferably with explanations of the theories behind the equations?
Thanks for reading.
 
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  • #2
physicist 53 said:
Hello there, I'm new. I'm a high school student, currently in a physics class, trying to teach himself some basic quantum mechanics. My teacher can offer limited assistance, since she doesn't want to force the rest of class to do this stuff, and considers me slightly mentally ill for attempting to learn it on my own. Can you guys give me any examples of practice problems for the math on things like relativistic momentum, photon energy, and photon momentum? Preferably with explanations of the theories behind the equations?
Thanks for reading.
Welcome to the PF. :smile:

Here is a thread that is going on here in the Academic Guidance forum that you may find useful:

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/where-do-i-start-with-quantum-physics.902319/
 
  • #3
First of all, learn classical mechanics before you try to learn quantum mechanics.

Second of all, as a high school student, you have probably studied matrices, but have not yet studied bra ket notation, which is the mathematical language normally used in quantum mechanics. Fortunately, if you know matrices, you can easily learn bra ket notation, such as on the following website.

http://www.mathpages.com/home/kmath638/kmath638.htm

After you learn that, I would suggest you try reading "Quantum Mechanics" by J.J. Sakurai. It might be a little advanced for you, but I'm assuming that you can reread it later when you are a physics major in college.

Lastly, please do not believe anything you read in so-called popularizations of quantum mechanics intended for the general public. A college professor teaching a class in quantum mechanics, or writing a textbook on quantum mechanics, is trying to make it as intuitive as possible. A popular science writer supposedly writing about quantum mechanics is trying to make it as counter intuitive as possible, because they are catering to a specific niche audience that enjoys being freaked out by supposed quantum weirdness.

The more you understand quantum mechanics, the LESS weird it seems!
 
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  • #4
David Neves said:
After you learn that, I would suggest you try reading "Quantum Mechanics" by J.J. Sakurai. It might be a little advanced for you, but I'm assuming that you can reread it later when you are a physics major in college.

I'm not sure Sakurai is right for someone in High School, unless that person is a budding Richard Feyman! It's a beautiful presentation, but it would be like trying to play Rachmaninov before you've learned the scales.
 
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FAQ: Exploring Quantum Mechanics: Practice Problems and Theories Behind Equations

How is quantum physics different from classical physics?

Quantum physics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of matter and energy at a very small scale, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It differs from classical physics in that it does not follow the laws of classical mechanics and instead uses principles such as superposition and entanglement to explain the behavior of particles.

Is quantum physics difficult to understand?

Quantum physics can be challenging to grasp because it deals with concepts that are not intuitive and often contradict our everyday experiences. However, with patience and effort, anyone can gain a basic understanding of its principles.

How is quantum physics applied in real life?

Quantum physics has many practical applications, including in electronics, telecommunications, and medical imaging. It also plays a crucial role in developing technologies such as quantum computing and quantum encryption.

Can anyone learn quantum physics?

Yes, anyone with an interest in physics and a strong foundation in math and science can learn quantum physics. It may require dedication and persistence, but with the right resources and guidance, anyone can gain a basic understanding of this complex field.

What are the most important concepts to understand in quantum physics?

Some of the fundamental concepts in quantum physics include superposition, entanglement, wave-particle duality, and uncertainty principle. It is also essential to understand the Schrödinger equation, which is the mathematical framework used to describe the behavior of quantum systems. Additionally, having a good understanding of linear algebra and calculus is crucial for learning quantum physics.

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