Learning Of Quantum Mechanics Research Articles

Quantum mechanics teaching resources from the Institute of Physics

In December 2013, the Institute of Physics (IOP) launched a set of freely available resources at quantumphysics.iop.org for the teaching and learning of quantum mechanics. The website includes about 80 short articles written by experts in the field and 17 interactive simulations with accompanying activities for an introductory course in quantum mechanics starting from two-level systems. The articles are arranged according to five themes, including a focus on quantum information, interpretations of quantum mechanics, the mathematical structure of the theory, physics applications and historical experiments. The resources make topics such as entanglement, hidden variables and quantum information theory accessible to introductory-level students. They can be used flexibly for a variety of instructional aims at both the introductory and more advanced level. The website includes links to pre-readings, suggestions for further reading, a glossary of technical terms and allows users to rate their understanding of articles.Sharing of these resources is encouraged, with all usage under the Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND licence. Solutions to problems and activities are available for instructors by emailing quantumphysics@iop.org. Instructors interested in evaluating these resources with their students in order to help us further develop and optimize the site are requested to contact the corresponding author.

Using Quantum Games To Teach Quantum Mechanics, Part 1

The learning of quantum mechanics is contingent upon an understanding of the physical significance of the mathematics that one must perform. Concepts such as normalization, superposition, interference, probability amplitude, and entanglement can prove challenging for the beginning student. Several class activities that use a nonclassical version of tic-tac-toe are described to introduce several topics in an undergraduate quantum mechanics course. Quantum tic-tac-toe (QTTT) is a quantum analogue of classical tic-tac-toe (CTTT) and can be used to demonstrate the use of superposition in movement, qualitative (and later quantitative) displays of entanglement, and state collapse due to observation. QTTT can be used to aid student understanding in several other topics with the aid of proper discussion.

Approaches for improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics

Approaches for improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics

Overcoming misconceptions in quantum mechanics with the time evolution operator

Recently, there have been many efforts to use the research techniques developed in the field of physics education research to improve the teaching and learning of quantum mechanics. In particular, part of this research is focusing on misconceptions held by students. For instance, a set of misconceptions is associated with the concept of stationary states. In this paper, we argue that a possible way to remove these is to solve the Schrödinger equation using the evolution operator method (EOM), and stress the fact that to find stationary states is only the first step in solving that equation. The EOM consists in solving the Schrödinger equation by direct integration, i.e. Ψ(x, t) = U(t)Ψ(x, 0), where is the time evolution operator, and Ψ(x, 0) is the initial state. We apply the evolution operator method in the case of the harmonic oscillator.

Could Feynman Have Said This?

Could Feynman Have Said This?

How to Teach Basic Quantum Mechanics to Computer Scientists and Electrical Engineers

Because of the rapid development of quantum computation and of quantum technologies in general, computer scientists and electrical engineers will have to learn quantum mechanics (QM) in the near future. Although the teaching methods of QM are well established in both undergraduate and graduate physics courses, an effective method for teaching QM to computer scientists and electrical engineers is still lacking. This paper tries to fill this gap and suggests a new teaching method based on quantum cryptography. The goal of this paper is to show that computer scientists and electrical engineers can properly understand quantum theory without studying a degree in physics.

Quantum mechanics for everyone: Hands-on activities integrated with technology

Quantum mechanics is frequently taught toward the end of the first year of physics if it is taught at all. Many physics instructors believe that quantum mechanics is a very abstract subject that cannot be understood until students have learned much of classical physics. We are challenging this belief by creating instructional materials for quantum mechanics that can be integrated throughout the first physics course. In addition, we have transferred some of the materials and the basic approach to higher-level courses. The result is a hands-on approach to learning and teaching quantum mechanics for a broad spectrum of students. We describe some of our materials and the results of using these materials with students.

Unconscious secrets

Unconscious secrets

Redesigning the Quantum Mechanics Curriculum to Incorporate Problem Solving Using a Computer Algebra System

One of the traditional obstacles to learning quantum mechanics is the relatively high level of mathematical proficiency required to solve even routine problems. Modern computer algebra systems are ...

Student difficulties in learning quantum mechanics

For university students studying physics, quantum mechanics is considered an extremely difficult subject, but one which must be taught increasingly early in their careers. We report a preliminary project which used a phenomenographic approach to explore the ways in which a small number of fundamental ideas are conceptualized by students who have been judged to have successfully mastered the material. The results suggest that the mental models used by these students are technically advanced but structurally unsophisticated. Whether a change in current teaching practices might lead to better conceptualization is a question that needs further exploration.