Can you help build a collection of fascinating links explaining quantum mechanics in terms the average person can grasp?
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ETpro (
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September 30th, 2013
For instance, if you can get past the hokeyness of the cartoon spokesman, the Dr. Quantum Video on The Double Slit Experiment is fun to watch and beautifully illustrates one of the first things we learned about the baffling weirdness of how things behave at the microscopic level where atoms, electrons, protons, neutrons, quarks, leptons and gluons exist.
But the double-slit experiment video just scratches the surface of quantum weirdness. As Dr. Quantum says, the double slit experiment is the Granddaddy of quantum weirdness. Let’s go right down the rabbit hole into Wonderland and look at grandpa’s children and grandchildren. What weird quantum phenomenon can you share through a simple video or Web link that makes it possible for those without advanced degrees in physics to at least appreciate the strangeness of the micro world?
To get us started, here’s a definition of quantum.
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10 Answers
I think it’s fantastic that you may understand it and the next guy, in fact I admire your great intellect but I think the reason why I don’t or can’t grasp it is because I find it irrelevant and have no need to understand quantum mechanics because I can’t apply it in my daily life. Does not matter how you going to try explain it, I simply can’t grasp it.
@DWW25921 That’s a terrific list of links. Thank you very much for your contribution. I had watched the YouTube vid previously, and it is terrific. When you have an hour to spare, it’d fascinating viewing.
@antimatter Everything that happens in the world of big things we humans are used to is actually controlled by quantum physics. I guess I asked this because I’d love to increase my ability to share my fascination with the grandeur and majesty of this Universe with others. I got a microscope for Christmas when I was about 6 years old. My first look at pond water magnified just blew my mind. Here were all these creatures moving about, devouring one another, locked in life or death struggles, and yet they looked stranger than space aliens in sci-fi movies. I’d really like to learn how better to share the majesty of all that’s out there. I’d love to do something to light that spark of intellectual curiosity in kids.
@Rarebear That’s a great talk to underly why quantum mechanics matters to all of us, even @antimatter
@antimatter Do you use a computer or have ever seen a neon sign? If so, then quantum mechanics is not irrelevant for your daily life.
Richard Feynman and Kenneth Ford have decent books out for beginners. Actually understanding just the basics of quantum mechanics requires a decent understanding of math and vectors too, as well as some other sciences to a degree. Just the basics.
@antimatter Quantum mechanics is a part of everything we do, but understanding it is another thing. I never realized until not too long ago that some of my electronic circuits rely on various aspects of Quantum Theories, as in digital gates and solid state devices such as transistors and diodes. I’m no expert by far, but understanding some aspects of quantum mechanics helped me to understand my own electronic/electrical trade better.
@ETpro I am a nerd it’s what I do.
I would build a collection of powerful pictures. Example:
Can a person walk through a door without opening it?
Yes, because of quantum tunneling, but in case of a person that’s extremely unlikely. But a single proton does this every now and then. Otherwise our sun wouldn’t shine.
And of course no one forgets a picture like Schrödinger’s cat. For animal activists pick an inanimate object.
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