Lesson 4: Quantum Theory
Overview:
There is a reason why I decided to call this website Quantum Tunneling. This lesson will lead you down a rabbit hole of ideas in physics that are as addictive as they are mind blowing!
Curriculum Expectations:
Overall Expectations:
F1. Analyze, with reference to quantum mechanics and relativity, how the introduction of new conceptual models and theories can influence and/or change scientific thought and lead to the development of new technologies.
Specific Expectations:
F1.1 Analyze the development of the two major revolutions in modern physics (e.g., the impact of the discovery of the photoelectric effect on the development of quantum mechanics; the impact of thought experiments on the development of the theory of relativity), and assess how they changed scientific thought.
F2.1 Use appropriate terminology related to quantum mechanics and special relativity, including, but not limited to: quantum theory, photoelectric effect, matter waves, time dilation, and mass–energy transformation.
F2.4 Conduct a laboratory inquiry or computer simulation to analyse data (e.g., on emission spectra, the photoelectric effect, relativistic momentum in accelerators) that support a scientific theory related to relativity or quantum mechanics.
F1. Analyze, with reference to quantum mechanics and relativity, how the introduction of new conceptual models and theories can influence and/or change scientific thought and lead to the development of new technologies.
Specific Expectations:
F1.1 Analyze the development of the two major revolutions in modern physics (e.g., the impact of the discovery of the photoelectric effect on the development of quantum mechanics; the impact of thought experiments on the development of the theory of relativity), and assess how they changed scientific thought.
F2.1 Use appropriate terminology related to quantum mechanics and special relativity, including, but not limited to: quantum theory, photoelectric effect, matter waves, time dilation, and mass–energy transformation.
F2.4 Conduct a laboratory inquiry or computer simulation to analyse data (e.g., on emission spectra, the photoelectric effect, relativistic momentum in accelerators) that support a scientific theory related to relativity or quantum mechanics.
Success Criteria:
- What does quantum refer to?
- What is quantum theory?
- How is energy transferred according to classical physics?
- Describe the differences between the properties of classical particles and classical waves.
- Describe what evidence the electron double slit interference experiment provided that suggests (i) electrons have particle properties and (ii) electrons have wave properties.
- What is wave-particle duality?
- What are the properties included in the wave-particle duality?
Time Allocation: 1 hour
Learning Activities:
Read pages 616 - 618 from Nelson 12.1.
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Blackbody Spectrum
How does the blackbody spectrum of the sun compare to visible light? Learn about the blackbody spectrum of the sun, a light bulb, an oven, and the earth. Adjust the temperature to see the wavelength and intensity of the spectrum change. View the color of the peak of the spectral curve.
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Davisson-Germer: Electron Diffraction
Simulate the original experiment that proved that electrons can behave as waves. Watch electrons diffract off a crystal of atoms, interfering with themselves to create peaks and troughs of probability. |
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In the playlist below, video:
- What is the Wave/Particle Duality? Part 1
- What is the Wave/Particle Duality? Part 2
- How the Sun works: Fusion and Quantum Tunneling
Reflect:
How have you reasoned out thinking about the wave-particle duality?
