Newtonian & Einstein Quantum Mechanics

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around comparing and contrasting Newtonian and Einsteinian physics, particularly in relation to their contributions to quantum mechanics. The original poster expresses difficulty in finding concise information on the topic for an upcoming paper.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the implications of Newtonian mechanics versus Einstein's theories, particularly in the context of light speed and the concept of absolute speed. There is mention of a specific example involving a ship traveling at high speed and the behavior of light, which raises questions about the foundational principles of physics.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered guidance by suggesting resources, such as the NOVA show "The Elegant Universe," which may help clarify the differences between Newtonian and Einsteinian physics. The conversation reflects a mix of attempts to understand the concepts and the need for further reading.

Contextual Notes

The original poster expresses frustration with their teacher's teaching style, which may influence their engagement with the material. There is an acknowledgment of the need for additional reading to grasp the concepts fully.

usnpilot2012
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Homework Statement



I have a paper due Friday in ap Physics and i can't seem to find anything on the subject that doesn't involve reading an entire textbook. Ok so we first must compare/contrast Newtonian & Einstein Physics, then explain their contributions to Quantum mechanics.

The Attempt at a Solution



so i know about the 4th dimension, and that somehow Einstein's general relativity and Newtons model somehow are different. any help would be great i love physics but unfortuanately my teacher is a better babysitter than teacher.
 
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You may want to be careful about insulting your teacher - many of us contributors are physics teachers!

Maybe you could start with this: If a ship was traveling 300 million meters per second, and shined a flashlight beam out in front (light travels at 300 million m/s) then Newtonian mechanics says the "absolute" speed of the light beam would be 300 + 300 = 600 million m/s. But light never travels faster than 300 million m/s. Einstein's mechanics resolved this paradox. One of the results, for example, says that there is no such thing as an "absolute" speed; speed always depends on who's measuring.

NOVA has an online show called "The Elegant Universe" and the first couple chapters have some good comparisons between Newt and Ein.

To get any better than that, you will need to read a lot. Maybe not an entire textbook, but at least get your intro textbook and read the sections on Relativity and Quantum.
 
merryjman said:
NOVA has an online show called "The Elegant Universe" and the first couple chapters have some good comparisons between Newt and Ein.

You can watch it here.
 
sorry i didn't mean to insult him i just get upset when my potential is thwarted, especially since i love physics

thanks for the help. =)
 

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