Quantum Physics
Quantum physics is the most counter-intuitive field of physics. By examining the realm of the very small, we find behavior that Einstein described as "spooky action at a distance." Here you will learn what quantum physics has to say about this exotic realm.
Quantum Physics: An Overview
This overview of the different aspects of quantum physics is intended to provide some perspective to those new to the subject, so that they can further explore the wonders inherent in this miraculous realm.
This overview of the different aspects of quantum physics is intended to provide some perspective to those new to the subject, so that they can further explore the wonders inherent in this miraculous realm.
What are the Fundamental Forces of Physics?
An overview of the four fundamental forces of physics and why they are so fundamental.
An overview of the four fundamental forces of physics and why they are so fundamental.
Wave Particle Duality
We explore wave particle duality: the particle properties of waves and the wave properties of particles. What do these strange properties mean? How can we use them to understand physics?
We explore wave particle duality: the particle properties of waves and the wave properties of particles. What do these strange properties mean? How can we use them to understand physics?
Schroedinger's Cat
In 1935, Erwin Schroedinger developed a thought experiment which illuminated some of the problems with extending the microscopic concepts of quantum physics into the macroscopic realm. The thought experiment has been used in the years since to highlight the key concepts of quantum physics, ranging from the role of the observer to the meaning of the wave function.
In 1935, Erwin Schroedinger developed a thought experiment which illuminated some of the problems with extending the microscopic concepts of quantum physics into the macroscopic realm. The thought experiment has been used in the years since to highlight the key concepts of quantum physics, ranging from the role of the observer to the meaning of the wave function.
What Is a Quantum Computer?
Quantum physics allows for many wondrous things, but perhaps none will have more impact than quantum computing ... if anyone ever builds a quantum computer that works (for more than a few nanoseconds).
Quantum physics allows for many wondrous things, but perhaps none will have more impact than quantum computing ... if anyone ever builds a quantum computer that works (for more than a few nanoseconds).
What is Quantum Optics?
Learn about quantum optics, the field of physics where the study of individual photons is crucial to understanding the nature of the behavior of electromagnetic waves as a whole.
Learn about quantum optics, the field of physics where the study of individual photons is crucial to understanding the nature of the behavior of electromagnetic waves as a whole.
Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness
In Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness, two physics professors explore the "skeleton in the closet" of quantum physics. What is the role of the observer, a conscious observer, in quantum theory? In lucid terms, the authors outline the issues and debates surrounding the quantum enigma.
In Quantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness, two physics professors explore the "skeleton in the closet" of quantum physics. What is the role of the observer, a conscious observer, in quantum theory? In lucid terms, the authors outline the issues and debates surrounding the quantum enigma.
De Broglie Hypothesis
We discuss the De Broglie hypothesis, which proposes that all matter exhibits wave-like properties and relates the observed wavelength of matter to its momentum.
We discuss the De Broglie hypothesis, which proposes that all matter exhibits wave-like properties and relates the observed wavelength of matter to its momentum.
Young's Double Slit Experiment
Learn about Young's Double Slit experiment, where interference patterns seem to prove the wave theory of light. But there's way more to this simple experiment than meets the eye. We'll explain the original experiment and its quantum mechanical permutations.
Learn about Young's Double Slit experiment, where interference patterns seem to prove the wave theory of light. But there's way more to this simple experiment than meets the eye. We'll explain the original experiment and its quantum mechanical permutations.
Blackbody Radiation
Research in blackbody radiation created a major dilemma for classical physics. The problem was resolved by Max Planck in 1900 by introducing the concepts which laid the foundation for all of quantum mechanics.
Research in blackbody radiation created a major dilemma for classical physics. The problem was resolved by Max Planck in 1900 by introducing the concepts which laid the foundation for all of quantum mechanics.
The Photoelectric Effect
A description of the photoelectric effect and its significance, which includes crushing the classical wave theory of light, Einstein's first publication, Einstein's only Nobel Prize, and one of the major steps in developing quantum mechanics.
A description of the photoelectric effect and its significance, which includes crushing the classical wave theory of light, Einstein's first publication, Einstein's only Nobel Prize, and one of the major steps in developing quantum mechanics.
The Compton Effect
The Compton effect, where the energy of a photon decreased upon interaction with matter, is another experiment that demonstrated the particle properties of electromagnetic radiation.
The Compton effect, where the energy of a photon decreased upon interaction with matter, is another experiment that demonstrated the particle properties of electromagnetic radiation.
What is Unified Field Theory?
Unified field theory, or grand unified theory, or "the theory of everything," is an attempt to consolidate the laws of physics into a single framework. It's actually a collection of assorted theories such as quantum gravity and string theory, all of which have the same ultimate goal of unification.
Unified field theory, or grand unified theory, or "the theory of everything," is an attempt to consolidate the laws of physics into a single framework. It's actually a collection of assorted theories such as quantum gravity and string theory, all of which have the same ultimate goal of unification.
New Scientist: Quantum World
New Scientist provides this useful resource on the "Quantum World," which includes a number of news reports relating to quantum physics.
New Scientist provides this useful resource on the "Quantum World," which includes a number of news reports relating to quantum physics.
Visual Quantum Mechanics
This website of the Kansas State University Physics Education Research Group provides information on quantum physics, including simulations, geared toward the non-science student. It requires Macromedia Shockwave to fully view the site.
This website of the Kansas State University Physics Education Research Group provides information on quantum physics, including simulations, geared toward the non-science student. It requires Macromedia Shockwave to fully view the site.
Renormalization Made Easy
John Baez has written this article to provide a "gut-level understanding" on the topic of renormalization in quantum field theory. It assumes knowledge of quantum physics which is, at least, advanced undergraduate level.
John Baez has written this article to provide a "gut-level understanding" on the topic of renormalization in quantum field theory. It assumes knowledge of quantum physics which is, at least, advanced undergraduate level.
Journal: Classical & Quantum Gravity
This online journal provides current research in both classical and quantum gravity free to the public.
This online journal provides current research in both classical and quantum gravity free to the public.