Understanding Quantum Physics Simplified - A Layperson's Guide

[darrenkarp]

Hi All,

After reading a number of articles, books, websites, etc. on Quantum Theory, Mechanics, etc. I am still none the wiser. I am a simple man interested in particle physics...I don't do this for a job nor am I looking for a job in science but yet I have not discovered anyone or anything that can help to explain QP for the lay person.

I once visited a website which helped explain atoms, etc. very clearly (URL escapes me for now) but I cannot find anything similar for QP.

Can anyone help?
Darren

 

[PhysicsFan]

quantum mechanics

As seen in the quote below from the transcript of the PBS documentary of Brian Greene's The Elegant Universe, even an MIT professor of physics admits he doesn't have a deep intuitive grasp of quantum mechanics:

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/transcripts/3012_elegant.html

EDWARD FARHI (Massachusetts Institute of Technology): You have to learn to abandon those assumptions that you have about the world in order to understand quantum mechanics. In my gut, in my belly, do I feel like I have a deep intuitive understanding of quantum mechanics? No.

http://web.mit.edu/physics/facultyandstaff/faculty/edward_farhi.html

Far be it for me (a non-physicist) to claim to have a good understanding! However, here are some simple conceptual points associated with quantum mechanics. Perhaps these will help.

It deals with VERY SMALL SCALES.

http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/vvc/theory/quantum.html

It is PROBABILISTIC. A particle may be in one location (with some probability) or in another. Or it may be in both at the same time (which may involve parallel universes). See the aforementioned PBS transcript for more discussion.

Physical properties take on values only in DISCRETE, WHOLE-NUMBER UNITS. Quoting from the aforementioned Stanford link:

To get some idea of how counter-intuitive this idea of discrete values is, imagine if someone told you that water could have only integer temperatures as you boiled it. For example, the water could have temperatures of 85º, 86º or 87º, but not 85.7º or 86.5º. It would be a pretty strange world you were living in if that were true.

 

[R0man]

Hi Darren,

I completely understand your frustration and confusion when it comes to understanding quantum physics. It is a complex and abstract subject that can be difficult to grasp, even for those who study it as a profession.

However, there are resources available that can help simplify and explain quantum physics for the layperson. One approach is to break down the concepts into more manageable pieces and use analogies or real-world examples to make them more relatable.

Another helpful resource is to find a reputable and well-reviewed book or online course specifically designed for non-scientists. These resources often use more accessible language and explanations to help readers understand the basics of quantum physics.

Additionally, there are many popular science writers and communicators who have dedicated their careers to making complex scientific concepts understandable to the general public. These individuals often have books, articles, and videos that can help explain quantum physics in a simpler way.

Overall, my advice would be to keep searching for resources and approaches that work for you. Don't be discouraged if it takes some time and effort to understand quantum physics – it is a challenging subject, but with the right resources and determination, it is possible to gain a basic understanding. Good luck!