What are the practical applications of QM and QFT?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the practical applications of Quantum Mechanics (QM) and Quantum Field Theory (QFT). Participants explore various fields and scenarios where these theories are applicable, seeking to enumerate specific examples and clarify the domains of each theory.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant lists applications of QM, including the double slit experiment, and seeks further examples.
  • Another participant suggests that chemical bonding, microelectronics, and solid state physics are largely based on quantum mechanics.
  • A different participant humorously proposes that it might be easier to identify areas not influenced by QM and QFT, mentioning asteroid tracking as an example, but notes that QM is still relevant for optimizing rocket fuel and onboard systems for space missions.
  • One participant expresses a desire to understand the specific domains of applicability for QM and QFT, highlighting that Newtonian physics is used for certain applications like trajectory calculations, while QM is associated with the Schrödinger Equation and QFT extends beyond QM.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that QM and QFT have extensive practical applications, but there is no consensus on a definitive list of these applications or the specific domains where each theory is most applicable. The discussion remains open-ended with multiple viewpoints presented.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations include the lack of a comprehensive list of applications, the dependence on the definitions of QM and QFT, and the unresolved nature of which applications are best suited for each theory.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students and professionals in physics, chemistry, and engineering, as well as anyone interested in the practical implications of quantum theories.

mieral
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Please list all the practical applications of QM and QFT the way you know from memory.. so far the following is what I know.

Practical applications of QM:

1. Understanding the double slit experiment
2. What else? Please enumerate

Practical applications of QFT:

1. Solving for the Magnetic Moment of the Electron
2. What else? Please enumerate
 
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mieral said:
Practical applications...
Well, seeing as how chemical bonding is a quantum-mechanical phenomenon...
Most or all of chemistry, most or all of microelectronics, most or all of solid state physics.
 
mieral said:
Please list all the practical applications of QM and QFT the way you know from memory..

It might be easier to list things that aren't practical applications of QM and QFT. :wink: Maybe tracking asteroids, since that doesn't involve analyzing their internal structure. But if, for example, we had to send a space mission to divert an asteroid that might come too close to Earth, we'd need QM (in the form of chemistry and analyzing chemical bond energies) to help us find the optimal rocket fuel, and to make the onboard computers work, and for communications, and...
 
I know almost all use QM or QFT.. I'd just like to understand their domain of applicability of each. For example. You don't use QFT on computing for trajectories of an object. You use Newtonian physics. So what applications where you can still use Schrödinger Quantum Mechanics. As I understand and I think everyone else. Quantum Mechanics means the plain Schroedinger Equation. While QFT is beyond QM.
 

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