I have difficulty understanding quantum physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of understanding quantum physics, particularly the intuitive grasp of its principles and concepts. Participants express their difficulties with the subject, referencing specific theories and suggesting resources for better comprehension.

Discussion Character

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

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the fundamental concepts of quantum physics, particularly the implications of the uncertainty principle.
  • Another participant mentions the mathematical derivation of the uncertainty principle and its relation to non-commuting observables.
  • Some participants suggest that learning quantum field theory (QFT) before classical physics may not be beneficial, arguing that it complicates the understanding of quantum mechanics.
  • There are references to specific resources, including a lecture by Scott Aaronson and a discussion on the difficulties of mastering quantum mechanics at a young age.
  • One participant notes that the lack of intuition about quantum mechanics is a significant barrier to understanding, contrasting it with classical mechanics.
  • Another participant humorously points out that even Einstein struggled with the implications of quantum mechanics.
  • Several participants share their experiences and suggest that advanced mathematics is necessary for a deeper understanding of quantum mechanics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that quantum physics is challenging to understand intuitively, but there are competing views on the best approach to learning it. Some advocate for starting with QFT, while others argue for a more traditional path through classical mechanics first. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective learning strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of mathematical foundations for understanding quantum mechanics, indicating that a lack of advanced mathematical knowledge can hinder comprehension.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and individuals interested in quantum physics, particularly those seeking to understand the conceptual challenges and learning pathways associated with the subject.

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.
 
Last edited:
  • #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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