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Drama in Quantum Physics Teaching—Following Uncle Albert and Alice into Quantumland

Ann-Marie Pendrill, Henrik Hallström

Quantum mechanics has been enormously successful. The equations and rules enable accurate calculations and predictions of energies and other properties of atoms, molecules, and materials. Quantum-physics-based technology is an integrated part of our daily lives. Still, the understanding and interpretation of quantum physics offer many challenges, with the counterintuitive consequences of the rules, from the mythical “Schrödinger’s cat,” over single-photon double-slit experiments, to the Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) paradox, formulated in 1935.Quantum mechanics has been enormously successful. The equations and rules enable accurate calculations and predictions of energies and other properties of atoms, molecules, and materials. Quantum-physics-based technology is an integrated part of our daily lives. Still, the understanding and interpretation of quantum physics offer many challenges, with the counterintuitive consequences of the rules, from the mythical “Schrödinger’s cat,” over single-photon double-slit experiments, to the Einstein–Podolsky–Rosen (EPR) paradox, formulated in 1935.

The Physics TeacherFeb 28, 20251 citation

Theories as Crucial Aspects in Quantum Physics Education

Marco Giliberti

Springer proceedings in physicsJan 1, 20140 citations

Making introductory quantum physics understandable and interesting

Ranjana Y. Abhang

ResonanceJan 1, 200512 citations

How many lives does Schrödinger’s cat have?

Andrea López-Incera, Wolfgang Dür, Stefan Heusler

Abstract Schrödinger’s cat is an iconic example for the problem of the transition from the microscopic quantum world to the macroscopic, classical one. Up to which system size quantum effects can be expected? How can the transition between the classical and the quantum world be characterized? The field of macroscopicity aims at providing answers to those questions, both from a theoretical and an experimental point of view. Here, we present the main concepts in macroscopicity, including macroscopicity measures, experimental realizations and the link to metrology, from a pedagogical perspective. We provide visualizations and intuitive explanations, together with a hands-on activity where students can create their own macroscopic quantum cats from cardboard cells that are in a superposition of being dead and alive.Abstract Schrödinger’s cat is an iconic example for the problem of the transition from the microscopic quantum world to the macroscopic, classical one. Up to which system size quantum effects can be expected? How can the transition between the classical and the quantum world be characterized? The field of macroscopicity aims at providing answers to those questions, both from a theoretical and an experimental point of view. Here, we present the main concepts in macroscopicity, including macroscopicity measures, experimental realizations and the link to metrology, from a pedagogical perspective. We provide visualizations and intuitive explanations, together with a hands-on activity where students can create their own macroscopic quantum cats from cardboard cells that are in a superposition of being dead and alive.

arXiv:2412.05104European Journal of PhysicsMay 7, 20251 citation

Meeting the Challenge: Quantum Physics in Introductory Physics Courses

Ileana M. Greca, Olival Freire

Springer eBooksDec 30, 201318 citations

In Search of Schrödinger's Cat

John R. Gribbin

Quantum theory is so shocking that Einstein could not bring himself to accept it. It is so important that it provides the fundamental underpinning of all modern sciences. Without it, we'd have no nuclear power or nuclear weapons, no TV, no computers, no science of molecular biology, no understanding of DNA, no genetic engineering. In Search of Schrodinger's Cat tells the complete story of quantum mechanics, a truth stranger than any fiction. John Gribbin takes us step by step into an ever more bizarre and fascinating place, requiring only that we approach it with an open mind. He introduces the scientists who developed quantum theory. He investigates the atom, radiation, time travel, the birth of the universe, superconductors and life itself. And in a world full of its own delights, mysteries and surprises, he searches for Schrodinger's Cat - a search for quantum reality - as he brings every reader to a clear understanding of the most important area of scientific study today - quantum physics. In Search of Schrodinger's Cat is a fascinating and delightful introduction to the strange world of the quantum - an essential element in understanding today's world.Quantum theory is so shocking that Einstein could not bring himself to accept it. It is so important that it provides the fundamental underpinning of all modern sciences. Without it, we'd have no nuclear power or nuclear weapons, no TV, no computers, no science of molecular biology, no understanding of DNA, no genetic engineering. In Search of Schrodinger's Cat tells the complete story of quantum mechanics, a truth stranger than any fiction. John Gribbin takes us step by step into an ever more bizarre and fascinating place, requiring only that we approach it with an open mind. He introduces the scientists who developed quantum theory. He investigates the atom, radiation, time travel, the birth of the universe, superconductors and life itself. And in a world full of its own delights, mysteries and surprises, he searches for Schrodinger's Cat - a search for quantum reality - as he brings every reader to a clear understanding of the most important area of scientific study today - quantum physics. In Search of Schrodinger's Cat is a fascinating and delightful introduction to the strange world of the quantum - an essential element in understanding today's world.

Jan 1, 198497 citations

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