Where shall I start? (16 y/o wanting to become quantum physicist)

Context: Studying
Thread starter Fikremariam
Start date Mar 11, 2021
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Physicist Quantum

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a 16-year-old aspiring to become a quantum physicist and seeking guidance on how to start his journey. Participants provide insights on foundational knowledge, necessary skills, and potential resources, touching on mathematics, physics, and personal motivation.

Discussion Character

Exploratory
Technical explanation
Conceptual clarification
Debate/contested
Homework-related

Main Points Raised

Some participants emphasize the importance of mathematics as a foundation for understanding quantum mechanics, suggesting that a strong grasp of calculus and linear algebra is essential.
Others caution against focusing too narrowly on quantum physics too early, recommending a broader appreciation of all scientific disciplines and good grades in various subjects.
Several participants recommend specific textbooks and resources for learning mathematics and physics, including calculus and linear algebra texts.
Some express skepticism about the portrayal of prodigies in science, arguing that hard work and dedication are more important than innate talent.
There are mentions of the historical context of quantum mechanics and the importance of understanding its development through figures like Planck.
Participants discuss the various fields within physics that utilize quantum mechanics, suggesting that aspiring physicists should remain open to different areas of study.
Some participants share personal anecdotes about their own educational journeys and the challenges faced in understanding complex topics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the necessity of a strong mathematical foundation for pursuing quantum physics, but there are differing opinions on how narrowly the focus should be on quantum mechanics versus a broader scientific education. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to starting this educational journey.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying levels of familiarity with quantum mechanics and its applications, and there are references to specific educational resources that may not be universally accessible or suitable for all learners. Some suggestions may depend on individual learning styles and prior knowledge.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for high school students interested in pursuing careers in physics, particularly those considering a focus on quantum mechanics or related fields. It may also benefit educators seeking to understand student motivations and challenges in STEM education.

Jul 18, 2021

yjjiang

mpresic3 said:

Physicists generally fall into many categories these days, like condensed matter (formerly called solid state) physics, nuclear physics, high energy (formerly called particle physics), astrophysics, plasma physics, geophysics, acousticians, and perhaps a few other branches. Most of these branches use quantum mechanics as a tool. Almost no physicist (perhaps none) is called a "quantum" physicist.
Physicists mostly lead a life full of challenges, whether they end up in a field where quantum mechanics is used often, or not. You can be motivated by many life stories of people who engaged this exciting career. In addition, many mathematicians, engineers, and scientists also learn quantum mechanics, and end up in satisfying careers, as well.
As others have stated in this forum, you will need good grades in all scientific subjects in school, including the life sciences like biology, and all mathematics courses. It is not a good idea to focus too early on "quantum physics" because it may blind you to opportunities where your strengths and interests may lie. Instead, try to regard all sciences with fascination. Seek out motivating teachers, and learn from them.

I believe this is the best advice. In addition, we probably need a lot of quantum computer (QC) programmers in 5-10 years. I'd think a high school student who has learned some Python should be able to start learning QC programming.
https://qiskit.org/learn/
The math needed is not that much to start programming. Quantum theory is easy when you know how to work with the abstract mathematic symbols but is hard for people to understand intuitively.

Last edited by a moderator: Jul 19, 2021