Physics Virtual Bookshelf: Quantum Mechanics

Topic Description Author Format

Wave-Particle Duality A brief summary of wave-particle duality, from a first year physics course that uses minimal mathematics; the entire set of materials from the course is available by clicking here. (14k) Anthony W. Key html

Quantum Interference A brief summary of quantum interference and the uncertainty principle, from a first year physics course that uses minimal mathematics; the entire set of materials from the course is available by clicking here. (39k) Anthony W. Key html

Double Slit: html pdf A discussion of the "Feynman double slit," which forms the basis of many discussions of Quantum Mechanics. The topic is quite subtle, but the document is equally accessible to students at all levels. (183k/216k) David M. Harrison html and pdf

The Bohr Model of the Atom A very brief introduction, originally designed for upper-year liberal arts students. (30k) David M. Harrison html

Schrödinger's Cat html pdf A very brief introduction, originally designed for upper-year liberal arts students. (31k/34k) David M. Harrison html and pdf

Quantum Mechanics: a Poor Person's Guide An overview of quantum mechanics, from a first year physics course that uses minimal mathematics; the entire set of materials from the course is available by clicking here. (13k) Anthony W. Key html

Quantum Mechanics: Interpretation An overview of quantum mechanics, from a first year physics course that uses minimal mathematics; the entire set of materials from the course is available by clicking here. (10k) Anthony W. Key html

Black Hole Thermodynamics html pdf Course notes from a one-hour class on black hole thermodynamics for upper-year liberal arts students. (25k/47k) David M. Harrison html and pdf

Flash Animations for Physics An index to various Flash animations for physics. (12k). David M. Harrison html

Locality and Quantum Mechanics html pdf A brief introduction to the conflict between local cause and effect and Quantum Mechanics. Based on a discussion in an upper year liberal arts course in physics without mathematics. (24k/39k) David M. Harrison html and pdf

Complementarity & Copenhagen Interpretation html pdf A discussion of Bohr's Principle of Complementarity and its extension to the Copenhagen Interpreation of Quantum Mechnics. Based on a discussion for an upper-year liberal arts course in modern physics without mathematics. (89k/115k) David M. Harrison html and pdf

The Development of Quantum Mechanics html pdf A brief survey of the development of Quantum Mechanics in the 1920's by Schrödinger and Heisenberg. Some of the material is non-traditional. Based on a discussion in an upper year liberal arts course in physics without mathematics. (13k/26k) David M. Harrison html and pdf

Stern-Gerlach Experiment html pdf This classic experiment introduces the notion of quantum spin; it is a vital introduction to many treatments of the "Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen" paradox and to Bell's theorem. This document is equally accessible to students at all levels. (76k/106k) David M. Harrison html and pdf

Bell's Theorem html pdf A derivation of the theorem and a discussion of the consequences. A somewhat subtle topic, but here it is treated in a non-technical fashion. It assumes knowledge of wave-particle duality such as can be found in the Double Slit or the Wave-Particle Duality documents; also assumed is considerable knowledge of the Stern-Gerlach Experiment, for which there is also a document here. (150k/151k) David M. Harrison html and pdf

Two analogies to Bell's Theorem html pdf Two analogies to Bell's Theorem. They are both somwhat simpler than the previous document on Bell's Theorem on this list.(62k/74k) html and pdf

Entanglement A handout that accompanied a talk on Entanglement to the Canadian Association of Natural Philosophers, a group of amateurs interested in science. David M. Harrison pdf

Quantum Teleportation A discussion of Quantum Teleportation, Information, and Cryptography. Based on a presentation to an upper-year course in modern physics without mathematics. (41k) David M. Harrison html

Deterministic Quantum Teleportation A report of a measurement of quantum teleportation. One of the authors, D.F.V. James, is now at the University of Toronto. M. Reibe et al. pdf