I have difficulty understanding quantum physics

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Understanding quantum physics can be challenging due to its counterintuitive nature, particularly concepts like Heisenberg's uncertainty principle and quantum entanglement. Many recommend studying quantum field theory (QFT) after grasping classical physics to build a solid foundation, although some argue that this approach may not foster classical intuition effectively. The discussion highlights that a lack of intuitive understanding stems from the fundamental differences between classical and quantum mechanics, as everyday experiences do not apply in the quantum realm. Advanced mathematics is crucial for a deeper comprehension, which often requires college-level knowledge. Overall, developing an intuitive grasp of quantum mechanics is a gradual process that may require patience and further study.
Aichuk
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Like I was reading Stephen Hawking and while I found quantum physics interesting, I had trouble truly understand it. I mean I know it's the study of very small particles and stuff like you cannot predict where an electron is if the more you know its velocity but I had trouble understand the why of it?

How can I make it intuitive?
 
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That would be Heisenbergs uncertainty principle that one can derive from the cauchy schwarz inequality. In addition quantum mechanics says that as long as the observables do not comute you can't measure the eigenvectors simultaneusly.
 
(<A>^2<B>^2) > <[A,B]>*1/2
or
(<A>^2<B>^2) = <[A,B]>*1/2

where [X,P]=-ih/2pi

just substitute that into the top equation and you get Heisenbergs uncertainty priciple
 
I'm not talking about the Uncertainty Principle. I'm just talking about the entire branch in general :/
 
Sorry. QFT is not really intuitiv for example the hole stuff on entaglement of two spin systems. I would actually recommend you learn QFT first and then classical physics. If you need an Intro to quantum mechanics I would recommend Susskind , he covers the basics of harmonic oscillaotrs spina and the hole uncertanty. I don't quite understand what you mean but mabe this helped?
 
Aichuk said:
Like I was reading Stephen Hawking and while I found quantum physics interesting, I had trouble truly understand it. I mean I know it's the study of very small particles and stuff like you cannot predict where an electron is if the more you know its velocity but I had trouble understand the why of it?

How can I make it intuitive?

You might want to read this for my take on why you may not be equipped to "understand" QM

https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/why-is-quantum-mechanics-so-difficult.765713/

Zz.
 
Good luck, even Einstein needed it!
 
moriheru said:
I would actually recommend you learn QFT first and then classical physics.
That does not work. And the hard part about understanding quantum mechanics is not the physics of classical mechanics, it is our lack of intuition about quantum mechanics.
 
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  • #10
How would one develope a classical intuition if one learned QFT first?
 
  • #11
The article was good but I'm only 15 and didn't get the maths so I understood even less than usual.
 
  • #12
Aichuk said:
The article was good but I'm only 15 and didn't get the maths so I understood even less than usual.

And that is why your original question cannot be answered until you have the mastery of more advanced mathematics that one typically gets in college. At this stage, you are capable of only seeing the shadow of the animal, not the animal itself.

Please consider using the Reply function for a particular post. It is difficult to figure out whom you are referring/replying to.

Zz.
 
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  • #13
Darn.
 
  • #14
moriheru said:
How would one develope a classical intuition if one learned QFT first?
By living in a macroscopic world. Even small children have the intuition I mean - objects have a specific place, speed, they do not vanish suddenly and so on. All those everyday experiences are not true in quantum mechanics, and that makes learning it hard.

QFT has a lot of mathematics in addition - and you better learn that before (together with classical mechanics, and then quantum mechanics), otherwise you are completely lost in QFT.
 
  • #15
Aichuk said:
Like I was reading Stephen Hawking and while I found quantum physics interesting, I had trouble truly understand it. I mean I know it's the study of very small particles and stuff like you cannot predict where an electron is if the more you know its velocity but I had trouble understand the why of it?

How can I make it intuitive?
You're in good company. Einstein had trouble understanding it too! Well, actually, he understood it, but he didn't like what he understood :)
 
  • #16
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