Freeform: An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Freethought Freeform

Topic: An Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Host: David B

Link to Google Slides Presentation

The topic of Quantum Mechanics (QM) has come up a number of times in PFC discussions of free will, consciousness, and other topics. 

In 1965, Nobel prize-winning physicist Richard Feynman famously said, “I think I can safely say that nobody understands quantum mechanics.”   With that said, we will do our best to show and explain some of the key features of QM.

We will be presenting material in small chunks and then stopping for questions before proceeding to the next chunk.  This event will also include use of a QM simulator so that we can compare our classical intuition with real-world quantum results. 

Selected references

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0VY9_hB_WU Fermilab - What is QM really about?
2. https://toutestquantique.fr/en/spin/ Tout est quantique - spin
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFozGfxmi8A Fermilab - Quantum Entanglement and Spooky Action at a Distance
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVpXrbZ4bnU Double slit experiment: First 9:15 is good.  After that, the physics can get a bit sloppy or misleading.
5. https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/quantum-tunneling PHET Wave packet and quantum tunneling simulator -  "Easy to use" QM simulator, but may need some explanation to interpret results.
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R04USRugo90 Tegmark: Consciousness and QM

Schrodinger Equation

where 

  square root of negative one

Planck constant divided by 2π

time

wavefunction

Hamiltonian (sum of kinetic and potential energy) operator

Freethought Freeform is a variable format event that can be a group discussion, an interview, a tutorial, a movie discussion, a show-and-tell, an in-person event, or maybe something different.  It may feature an invited speaker, or maybe it won't. Topic and format will be chosen monthly by the host with inputs from the PFC community.  Email your suggestions to info@pghfreethought.org. 

Please join us!

Participants are encouraged to join PFC if not already a member.
https://pghfreethought.org/Become-a-member