Physics - Spring 1999

Physics 2 ("The Quantum Enigma") focusses on the mysteries of quantum mechanics. It satisfies Q and IN requirements. It is designed to appeal to philosophically inclined non-science majors. It has no prerequisites. (But some science majors also take "The Quantum Enigma" because it covers material too philosophical--and too strange and controversial--to be included within our regular physics curriculum.)

Quantum mechanics is basic to every science. It is basic to the understanding of quarks, atoms, molecules, transistors, lasers, and the Big Bang. It is the most securely established theory in all of science. But it presents us with an enigma, a disturbing mystery.

Quantum mechanics forces issues upon us which were once thought beyond the domain of physics. Demonstrations in the laboratory can display aspects of physical reality, universal connectedness--and perhaps even human consciousness-- that, at first sight, seem ridiculous. On careful examination they are even more profoundly strange.

To understand these issues, we start with several lectures on ordinary ("classical") physics presented with an historical and philosophical emphasis. Two lectures on Einstein's Theory of Relativity then follow as psychological preparation for quantum mechanics. (Relativity is almost impossible to believe, so thinking about it is good practice for believing "impossible" things--a required skill to appreciate the quantum enigma.) Then, after a brief introduction to standard quantum mechanics, we delve into the enigma which has been called "physics' skeleton in the closet."

There are about 30 lectures, and a weekly discussion section. There is weekly homework, a midterm, and a final exam. The title of each lecture follows with a few words of description.

Part One - Classical Physics: Our Intuitive Worldview

Setting the Scene for Science:

Ancient Greek science, which became the science of the Renaissance. This is what Galileo's method for science overturned.

A Method for Science:

Galileo's new approach to science. It became the foundation of all modern science and technology.

Motion:

We start science (as Aristotle taught us to) with the simplest aspect of Nature, the motion of matter.

The Newtonian Synthesis:

Newton's F = Ma, the "universal equation of motion," and his law of universal gravitation. Putting the heavens and the earth together.

Our Newtonian Legacy:

The philosophical (and the psychological and social) impact of Newton's physics. It ignited the intellectual movement called "The Enlightenment."

Energy:

What energy is, and the forms it can take.

The Electric Force:

The force with which we see, hear, taste, and--perhaps?--the force with which we think.

Waves:

Waves of water, sound, electric field, and--we'll eventually see--waves of matter.

Relativity I:

Einstein's postulate, the universal speed limit, E = Mc2.

Relativity II:

The slowing of time in moving systems (why you can become older than your mother).

A Logical Parable; Quantum Mechanics Overview

A story, and an overview of what's to come.

Light: Wave or Particle?

The first (gentle) exposure to the quantum enigma.

The Real Nature of Atoms:

A double entendre: what atoms are really like, and a "demonstration" that they are physically real things.

A Quantum Atom:

Bohr's early quantum description of the atom. Spectra "explained"! But a strange problem arises.

Matter: Wave or Particle?

The second (a bit less gentle) exposure to sthe enigma.

Schrödinger's Equation:

The new fundamental law of Nature.

The Skeleton in the Closet:

The enigma: what happened to physical reality? What's going on?!

The Uncertainty Principle and Complementarity:

The craziness has protection and organization.

Schrödinger's Cat:

The story Schrödinger told to show that the quantum mechanics he invented is actually absurd.

The Copenhagen Interpretation:

The standard defense of the "absurdity," the "official dogma," and a new philosophical stance for science.

Quantum Mechanics Applications:

Too much philosophy! Quantum mechanics is also practical--it makes money: lasers, superconductivity, transistors.

Objections to the Copenhagen Interpretation:

The Einstein-Bohr debate, Einstein's concession.

The EPR Paradox:

Einstein's demand for physical reality.

Introduction to Bell's Theorem:

What must be true in any "reasonable world."

Bell's Inequality, its Tests, and Implications:

The proof that our world is surely "unreasonable"--whether or not quantum mechanics is correct!

Alternative Interpretations Of Quantum Mechanics :

Interpretations even more bizarre than Copenhagen.

Quantum mechanics and Consciousness

Every interpretation of quantum mechanics forces us to say something about consciousness--and it's alway something strange.

Epilog: Where does this leave us?

Nature seems to be telling us something: something about the nature of reality, a universal connectedness, and consciousness. It's something we still do not understand. We just know it's strange.

http://www.es.ucsc.edu/~smf/phys107.html

An upper division introduction to quantum mechanics. The essential goal of the course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the principles and consequences of quantum mechanics. The course divides naturally into two parts. The first deals with quantum mechanics in one-dimension, where its novel features such as the discreetness of states and the existence of a non-trivial ground state (with finite kinetic energy) can be most simply presented and learned. The second part deals with the the states and energy levels of the hydrogen atom, which, as a prototype for all atoms, provides the basis for understanding the periodic table, as well as the starting point for the fields of chemistry and of solid-state physics. Familiarity with vector calculus and an understanding of ordinary differential equations and linear algebra are appropriate for this course.  

Revised 8/3/04.