Quantum mechanics Flashcards
What is the fundamental principle of quantum mechanics?
The fundamental principle is that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
True or False: In quantum mechanics, the position of a particle can be known with absolute certainty.
False
What is a quantum state?
A quantum state is a mathematical object that fully describes a quantum system.
Fill in the blank: The uncertainty principle is formulated by ______.
Heisenberg
What does the wave function represent in quantum mechanics?
The wave function represents the probability amplitude of a particle’s position and momentum.
What is superposition in quantum mechanics?
Superposition is the ability of a quantum system to exist in multiple states at the same time until measured.
Which equation is fundamental to quantum mechanics?
The Schrödinger equation.
True or False: Quantum entanglement implies that the state of one particle can instantaneously affect another, regardless of distance.
True
What is the principle of wave-particle duality?
The principle that particles such as electrons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.
What is a photon?
A photon is a quantum of electromagnetic radiation.
Fill in the blank: The quantization of energy levels in an atom is described by ______.
quantum mechanics
What does the Pauli exclusion principle state?
No two fermions can occupy the same quantum state simultaneously.
What is a quantum bit, or qubit?
A qubit is the basic unit of quantum information, analogous to a classical bit.
What is tunneling in quantum mechanics?
Tunneling is the phenomenon where a particle passes through a potential barrier that it classically shouldn’t be able to.
True or False: The observer effect refers to changes that the act of observation can make on a quantum system.
True
What is the significance of the Planck constant?
The Planck constant relates the energy of a photon to its frequency.
What is a quantum harmonic oscillator?
A quantum harmonic oscillator is a model that describes a particle bound in a potential well.
Fill in the blank: In quantum mechanics, particles are described by ______.
wave functions
What is a measurement in quantum mechanics?
A measurement is an observation that causes a quantum system to collapse into one of its possible states.
What are the four fundamental forces in nature?
Gravitational, electromagnetic, weak nuclear, and strong nuclear forces.
True or False: Quantum mechanics can predict outcomes with absolute certainty.
False
What is a potential barrier?
A region in space where the potential energy is higher than the energy of the particle.
What does ‘quantum decoherence’ refer to?
Quantum decoherence refers to the process by which quantum systems interact with their environment, leading to the loss of quantum coherence.
What is the difference between bosons and fermions?
Bosons can occupy the same quantum state, while fermions cannot due to the Pauli exclusion principle.
What is the role of the observer in quantum mechanics?
The observer plays a crucial role in determining the state of a quantum system through measurement.
Fill in the blank: The concept of quantization was first introduced by ______.
Max Planck
What is the significance of the double-slit experiment?
It demonstrates the wave-particle duality of light and matter.
What are eigenvalues in quantum mechanics?
Eigenvalues are the possible outcomes of a measurement associated with an observable.
True or False: Quantum mechanics is only applicable to tiny particles like electrons.
False
What does the term ‘quantum leap’ refer to?
A quantum leap refers to an electron’s transition between energy levels in an atom.
What is the concept of ‘quantum state collapse’?
Quantum state collapse is the process by which a quantum system transitions from a superposition of states to a single state upon measurement.
What are quantum numbers?
Quantum numbers are numbers that describe the properties of atomic orbitals and the properties of electrons in those orbitals.
Fill in the blank: The wave function is denoted by the symbol ______.
Ψ (psi)
What is the role of the observer in the context of the Copenhagen interpretation?
The observer causes the wave function to collapse into a definite state.
What is meant by ‘quantum superposition’?
It refers to a system being in multiple states at once until a measurement is made.
True or False: Quantum mechanics allows for faster-than-light communication.
False
What does ‘entanglement’ mean in quantum mechanics?
Entanglement is a phenomenon where two particles become interconnected and the state of one instantly influences the state of the other.
What is a quantum field?
A quantum field is a physical field described by quantum mechanics that pervades space and time.
Fill in the blank: The photoelectric effect demonstrated that light has ______.
particle-like properties
What is the significance of the Heisenberg uncertainty principle?
It states that certain pairs of physical properties cannot both be known to arbitrary precision.
What does quantum tunneling explain in modern technology?
It explains phenomena such as nuclear fusion in stars and the operation of devices like tunnel diodes.
What is the role of symmetry in quantum mechanics?
Symmetry principles help to understand the laws of physics and the conservation laws.
True or False: Quantum mechanics has no implications for macroscopic systems.
False
What is the de Broglie wavelength?
The de Broglie wavelength is the wavelength associated with a particle and is inversely proportional to its momentum.
