No one in this world understands what quantum mechanics is. This is perhaps the most important thing to know about her. Of course, many physicists have learned to use the laws and even predict phenomena based on quantum computing. But it is still unclear why the observer of the experiment determines the behavior of the system and forces it to take one of two states.

Here are some examples of experiments with results that will inevitably change under the influence of the observer. They show that quantum mechanics practically deals with the intervention of conscious thought in material reality.

There are many interpretations of quantum mechanics today, but the Copenhagen interpretation is perhaps the best known. In the 1920s, its general postulates were formulated by Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg.

The basis of the Copenhagen interpretation was the wave function. This is a mathematical function containing information about all possible states of a quantum system in which it exists simultaneously. According to the Copenhagen Interpretation, the state of a system and its position relative to other states can only be determined by observation (the wave function is used only to mathematically calculate the probability of the system being in one state or another).

It can be said that after observation, a quantum system becomes classical and immediately ceases to exist in states other than the one in which it was observed. This conclusion found its opponents (remember the famous Einstein's "God does not play dice"), but the accuracy of calculations and predictions still had its own.

Nevertheless, the number of supporters of the Copenhagen interpretation is declining, and the main reason for this is the mysterious instantaneous collapse of the wave function during the experiment. Erwin Schrödinger's famous thought experiment with a poor cat should demonstrate the absurdity of this phenomenon. Let's remember the details.

Inside the black box sits a black cat and with it a vial of poison and a mechanism that can release the poison randomly. For example, a radioactive atom during decay can break a bubble. The exact time of the decay of the atom is unknown. Only the half-life is known, during which decay occurs with a probability of 50%.

Obviously, for an external observer, the cat inside the box is in two states: it is either alive, if everything went well, or dead, if the decay has occurred and the vial has broken. Both of these states are described by the cat's wave function, which changes over time.

The more time has passed, the more likely it is that radioactive decay happened. But as soon as we open the box, the wave function collapses and we immediately see the results of this inhumane experiment.

In fact, until the observer opens the box, the cat will endlessly balance between life and death, or be both alive and dead. Its fate can only be determined as a result of the observer's actions. This absurdity was pointed out by Schrödinger.

According to a survey of famous physicists conducted by The New York Times, the electron diffraction experiment is one of the most amazing studies in the history of science. What is its nature? There is a source that emits a beam of electrons onto a photosensitive screen. And there is an obstacle in the way of these electrons, a copper plate with two slots.

What picture can we expect on the screen if electrons are usually represented to us as small charged balls? Two stripes opposite the slots in the copper plate. But in fact, a much more complex pattern of alternating white and black stripes appears on the screen. This is due to the fact that when passing through the slit, electrons begin to behave not only as particles, but also as waves (photons or other light particles that can be a wave at the same time behave in the same way).

These waves interact in space, colliding and reinforcing each other, and as a result, a complex pattern of alternating light and dark stripes is displayed on the screen. At the same time, the result of this experiment does not change, even if the electrons pass one by one - even one particle can be a wave and pass through two slits at the same time. This postulate was one of the main ones in the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, when particles can simultaneously demonstrate their "ordinary" physical properties and exotic properties like wave.

But what about the observer? It is he who makes this confusing story even more confusing. When physicists in experiments like this tried to use instruments to determine which slit an electron was actually going through, the picture on the screen changed dramatically and became “classical”: with two illuminated sections directly opposite the slits, without any alternating stripes.

The electrons seemed reluctant to reveal their wave nature to the watchful eye of onlookers. It looks like a mystery shrouded in darkness. But there is a simpler explanation: the observation of the system cannot be carried out without physical influence on it. We will discuss this later.

2. Heated fullerenes

Experiments on particle diffraction were carried out not only with electrons, but also with other, much larger objects. For example, fullerenes were used, large and closed molecules consisting of several tens of carbon atoms. Recently, a group of scientists from the University of Vienna, led by Professor Zeilinger, tried to include an element of observation in these experiments. To do this, they irradiated moving fullerene molecules with laser beams. Then, heated by an external source, the molecules began to glow and inevitably reflect their presence to the observer.

Along with this innovation, the behavior of molecules has also changed. Prior to such a comprehensive observation, fullerenes avoided an obstacle quite successfully (exhibiting wave properties), similar to the previous example with electrons hitting a screen. But with the presence of an observer, fullerenes began to behave like perfectly law-abiding physical particles.

3. Cooling measurement

One of the most famous laws in the world of quantum physics is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, according to which it is impossible to determine the speed and position of a quantum object at the same time. The more accurately we measure the momentum of a particle, the less accurately we can measure its position. However, in our macroscopic real world, the validity of quantum laws acting on tiny particles usually goes unnoticed.

Recent experiments by Prof. Schwab from the USA make a very valuable contribution to this area. Quantum effects in these experiments were demonstrated not at the level of electrons or fullerene molecules (which have an approximate diameter of 1 nm), but on larger objects, a tiny aluminum ribbon. This tape was fixed on both sides so that its middle was in a suspended state and could vibrate under external influence. In addition, a device capable of accurately recording the position of the tape was placed nearby. As a result of the experiment, several interesting things were discovered. Firstly, any measurement related to the position of the object and observation of the tape affected it, after each measurement the position of the tape changed.

The experimenters determined the coordinates of the tape with high accuracy, and thus, in accordance with the Heisenberg principle, changed its speed, and hence the subsequent position. Secondly, and quite unexpectedly, some measurements led to a cooling of the tape. So the observer can change physical characteristics objects by their mere presence.

4. Freezing particles

As you know, unstable radioactive particles decay not only in experiments with cats, but also on their own. Each particle has average term life, which, as it turns out, can increase under the watchful eye of the observer. This quantum effect was predicted back in the 60s, and its brilliant experimental proof appeared in a paper published by a group led by Nobel laureate in physics Wolfgang Ketterle of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In this work, the decay of unstable excited rubidium atoms was studied. Immediately after the preparation of the system, the atoms were excited using laser beam. The observation took place in two modes: continuous (the system was constantly exposed to small light pulses) and pulsed (the system was irradiated from time to time with more powerful pulses).

The results obtained were in full agreement with the theoretical predictions. External light effects slow down the decay of particles, returning them to their original state, which is far from the state of decay. The magnitude of this effect also coincided with the predictions. The maximum lifetime of unstable excited rubidium atoms increased by a factor of 30.

5. Quantum mechanics and consciousness

Electrons and fullerenes cease to show their wave properties, aluminum plates cool down, and unstable particles slow down their decay. The watchful eye of the beholder literally changes the world. Why can't this be evidence of the involvement of our minds in the work of the world? Perhaps Carl Jung and Wolfgang Pauli (Austrian physicist, laureate Nobel Prize, a pioneer of quantum mechanics) were right, after all, when they said that the laws of physics and consciousness should be considered as complementary to one another?

We are one step away from recognizing that the world around us is simply an illusory product of our mind. The idea is scary and tempting. Let's try to turn to physicists again. Especially in last years when less and less less people believe the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics with its mysterious wave function collapses, turning to a more mundane and reliable decoherence.

The fact is that in all these experiments with observations, the experimenters inevitably influenced the system. They lit it with a laser and installed measuring instruments. They were united by an important principle: you cannot observe a system or measure its properties without interacting with it. Any interaction is a process of modifying properties. Especially when a tiny quantum system is exposed to colossal quantum objects. Some eternally neutral Buddhist observer is impossible in principle. And here the term "decoherence" comes into play, which is irreversible from the point of view of thermodynamics: the quantum properties of a system change when interacting with another large system.

During this interaction, the quantum system loses its original properties and becomes classical, as if "obeying" a large system. This also explains the paradox of Schrödinger's cat: a cat is too much big system, so it cannot be isolated from the rest of the world. The very design of this thought experiment is not entirely correct.

In any case, if we assume the reality of the act of creation by consciousness, decoherence seems to be a much more convenient approach. Perhaps even too convenient. With this approach, the entire classical world becomes one big consequence of decoherence. And as the author of one of the most famous books in the field stated, such an approach logically leads to statements like "there are no particles in the world" or "there is no time at a fundamental level."

What is the truth: in the creator-observer or powerful decoherence? We need to choose between two evils. Nevertheless, scientists are becoming increasingly convinced that quantum effects are manifestations of our mental processes. And where observation ends and reality begins depends on each of us.

If you suddenly realized that you have forgotten the basics and postulates of quantum mechanics or do not know what kind of mechanics it is, then it's time to refresh this information in your memory. After all, no one knows when quantum mechanics can come in handy in life.

In vain you grin and sneer, thinking that you will never have to deal with this subject in your life at all. After all, quantum mechanics can be useful to almost every person, even those who are infinitely far from it. For example, you have insomnia. For quantum mechanics, this is not a problem! Read a textbook before going to bed - and you sleep deepest sleep Page already commercials on the third. Or you can name your cool rock band that way. Why not?

Joking aside, let's start a serious quantum conversation.

Where to begin? Of course, from what a quantum is.

Quantum

A quantum (from the Latin quantum - “how much”) is an indivisible portion of some physical quantity. For example, they say - a quantum of light, a quantum of energy or a field quantum.

What does it mean? This means that it simply cannot be less. When they say that some value is quantized, they understand that this value takes on a number of specific, discrete values. So, the energy of an electron in an atom is quantized, light propagates in "portions", that is, quanta.

The term "quantum" itself has many uses. A quantum of light (electromagnetic field) is a photon. By analogy, particles or quasi-particles corresponding to other fields of interaction are called quanta. Here we can recall the famous Higgs boson, which is a quantum of the Higgs field. But we do not climb into these jungles yet.

Quantum mechanics for dummies

How can mechanics be quantum?

As you have already noticed, in our conversation we have mentioned particles many times. Perhaps you are used to the fact that light is a wave that simply propagates at a speed with . But if you look at everything from the point of view quantum world, that is, the world of particles, everything changes beyond recognition.

Quantum mechanics is a section theoretical physics, a component of quantum theory that describes physical phenomena at the most elementary level, the particle level.

The effect of such phenomena is comparable in magnitude to Planck's constant, and Newton's classical mechanics and electrodynamics turned out to be completely unsuitable for their description. For example, according to classical theory an electron, rotating at high speed around the nucleus, must radiate energy and eventually fall onto the nucleus. This, as you know, does not happen. That is why they came up with quantum mechanics - the discovered phenomena needed to be explained somehow, and it turned out to be exactly the theory in which the explanation was the most acceptable, and all the experimental data "converged".

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A bit of history

The birth of quantum theory took place in 1900, when Max Planck spoke at a meeting of the German Physical Society. What did Planck say then? And the fact that the radiation of atoms is discrete, and the smallest portion of the energy of this radiation is equal to

Where h is Planck's constant, nu is the frequency.

Then Albert Einstein, introducing the concept of “light quantum”, used Planck's hypothesis to explain the photoelectric effect. Niels Bohr postulated the existence of stationary energy levels in an atom, and Louis de Broglie developed the idea of ​​wave-particle duality, that is, that a particle (corpuscle) also has wave properties. Schrödinger and Heisenberg joined the cause, and so, in 1925, the first formulation of quantum mechanics was published. Actually, quantum mechanics is far from a complete theory; it is actively developing at the present time. It should also be recognized that quantum mechanics, with its assumptions, is unable to explain all the questions it faces. It is quite possible that a more perfect theory will come to replace it.

In the transition from the quantum world to the world of familiar things, the laws of quantum mechanics are naturally transformed into the laws of classical mechanics. We can say that classical mechanics is a special case of quantum mechanics, when the action takes place in our familiar and familiar macrocosm. Here, the bodies move quietly in non-inertial frames of reference at a speed much lower than the speed of light, and in general - everything around is calm and understandable. If you want to know the position of the body in the coordinate system - no problem, if you want to measure the momentum - you are always welcome.

Quantum mechanics has a completely different approach to the question. In it, the measurement results physical quantities are probabilistic. This means that when a value changes, several outcomes are possible, each of which corresponds to a certain probability. Let's give an example: a coin is spinning on a table. While it is spinning, it is not in any particular state (heads-tails), but only has the probability of being in one of these states.

Here we are slowly approaching Schrödinger equation and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle.

According to legend, Erwin Schrödinger, speaking at a scientific seminar in 1926 with a report on wave-particle duality, was criticized by a certain senior scientist. Refusing to listen to the elders, after this incident, Schrödinger actively engaged in the development of the wave equation for describing particles in the framework of quantum mechanics. And he did brilliantly! The Schrödinger equation (the basic equation of quantum mechanics) has the form:

This type equations - the one-dimensional stationary Schrödinger equation is the simplest.

Here x is the distance or coordinate of the particle, m is the mass of the particle, E and U are its total and potential energies, respectively. The solution to this equation is the wave function (psi)

The wave function is another fundamental concept in quantum mechanics. So, any quantum system that is in some state has a wave function that describes this state.

For example, when solving the one-dimensional stationary Schrödinger equation, the wave function describes the position of the particle in space. More precisely, the probability of finding a particle at a certain point in space. In other words, Schrödinger showed that probability can be described by a wave equation! Agree, this should have been thought of!

But why? Why do we have to deal with these incomprehensible probabilities and wave functions, when, it would seem, there is nothing easier than just taking and measuring the distance to a particle or its speed.

Everything is very simple! Indeed, in the macrocosm this is true - we measure the distance with a tape measure with a certain accuracy, and the measurement error is determined by the characteristics of the device. On the other hand, we can almost accurately determine the distance to an object, for example, to a table, by eye. In any case, we accurately differentiate its position in the room relative to us and other objects. In the world of particles, the situation is fundamentally different - we simply do not physically have measurement tools to measure the required quantities with accuracy. After all, the measurement tool comes into direct contact with the measured object, and in our case both the object and the tool are particles. It is this imperfection, the fundamental impossibility to take into account all the factors acting on a particle, as well as the very fact of a change in the state of the system under the influence of measurement, that underlie the Heisenberg uncertainty principle.

Let us present its simplest formulation. Imagine that there is some particle, and we want to know its speed and coordinate.

In this context, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle states that it is impossible to accurately measure the position and velocity of a particle at the same time. . Mathematically, this is written like this:

Here delta x is the error in determining the coordinate, delta v is the error in determining the speed. We emphasize that this principle says that the more accurately we determine the coordinate, the less accurately we will know the speed. And if we define the speed, we will not have the slightest idea about where the particle is.

There are many jokes and anecdotes about the uncertainty principle. Here is one of them:

A policeman stops a quantum physicist.
- Sir, do you know how fast you were moving?
- No, but I know exactly where I am.

And, of course, we remind you! If suddenly, for some reason, the solution of the Schrödinger equation for a particle in a potential well does not let you fall asleep, contact - professionals who were brought up with quantum mechanics on their lips!

In this article, we will give helpful tips for the study quantum physics for dummies. Let's answer what should be the approach in learning quantum physics for beginners.

The quantum physics - this is a rather complex discipline, which is not easy for everyone to assimilate. Nevertheless, physics as a subject is interesting and useful, and therefore quantum physics (http://www.cyberforum.ru/quantum-physics/) finds its fans who are ready to study it and get practical benefits as a result. In order to make it easier to learn the material, you need to start from the very beginning, that is, from the simplest quantum physics textbooks for beginners. This will allow you to get a good base for knowledge, and at the same time structure your knowledge well in your head.

You need to start self-study with good literature. It is literature that is a decisive factor in the process of obtaining knowledge and ensures its quality. Quantum mechanics is of particular interest, and many begin their studies from it. Everyone should know physics, because it is the science of life, which explains many processes and makes them understandable to others.

Keep in mind that when you start studying quantum physics, you must have knowledge of mathematics and physics, because without them you simply cannot cope. It will be good if you have the opportunity to contact the teacher to find answers to your questions. If this is not possible, you can try to clarify the situation on specialized forums. Forums can also be very useful in learning.

When you decide on the choice of a textbook, you should be prepared for the fact that it is quite complicated and you will have to not just read it, but delve into everything that is written in it. So that at the end of the training the thought does not arise that this is all knowledge that no one needs, try to connect theory with practice each time. It is also important to determine in advance the purpose for which you began to learn quantum physics, in order to prevent the thought of the uselessness of the knowledge gained. People are divided into two categories: people who find quantum physics an interesting and useful subject and those who do not. Choose for yourself which category you belong to and determine accordingly whether there is a place for quantum physics in your life or not. You can always remain at the level of a beginner in the study of quantum physics, or you can achieve real success, all in your hands.

First of all, choose really interesting and quality materials in physics. Some of them you can find on the links below.
And that's all for now! Learn quantum physics in an interesting way and don't be a teapot!

Classical physics, which existed before the invention of quantum mechanics, describes nature on an ordinary (macroscopic) scale. Most of the theories in classical physics can be deduced as an approximation operating on the scales we are accustomed to. Quantum physics (it is also quantum mechanics) differs from classical science in that the energy, momentum, angular momentum, and other quantities of a coupled system are limited to discrete values ​​(quantization). Objects have special characteristics both in the form of particles and in the form of waves (duality of wave particles). Also in this science there are limits to the accuracy with which quantities can be measured (uncertainty principle).

It can be said that after the advent of quantum physics, a kind of revolution took place in the exact sciences, which made it possible to reconsider and analyze all the old laws that were previously considered indisputable truths. Is this good or bad? Perhaps it is good, because true science should never stand still.

However, the "quantum revolution" was a kind of blow to old-school physicists, who had to come to terms with the fact that what they believed in before turned out to be just a set of erroneous and archaic theories in need of urgent revision and adaptation to new reality. Most physicists enthusiastically accepted these new ideas about a well-known science, contributing to its study, development and implementation. Today, quantum physics sets the dynamics for all science as a whole. Advanced experimental projects (like the Large Hadron Collider) arose precisely because of her.

Opening

What can be said about the foundations of quantum physics? It gradually emerged from various theories designed to explain phenomena that could not be reconciled with classical physics, such as Max Planck's solution in 1900 and his approach to the problem of radiation of many scientific problems, and the correspondence between energy and frequency in a 1905 paper by Albert Einstein , which explained photoelectric effects. The early theory of quantum physics was thoroughly revised in the mid-1920s by Werner Heisenberg, Max Born and others. Modern theory is formulated in various specially developed mathematical concepts. In one of them, the arithmetic function (or wave function) gives us comprehensive information about the amplitude of the probability of the location of the impulse.

Scientific research The wave essence of light began more than 200 years ago, when the great and recognized scientists of that time proposed, developed and proved the theory of light based on their own experimental observations. They called it wave.

In 1803, the famous English scientist Thomas Young conducted his famous double experiment, as a result of which he wrote the famous work "On the Nature of Light and Color", which played huge role in the formation contemporary ideas about these phenomena familiar to us all. This experiment played a major role in the general acceptance of this theory.

Such experiments are often described in various books, for example, "Fundamentals of Quantum Physics for Dummies". Modern experiments with the acceleration of elementary particles, for example, the search for the Higgs boson in the Large Hadron Collider (LHC for short) is carried out precisely in order to find practical confirmation of many purely theoretical quantum theories.

Story

In 1838, Michael Faraday, to the delight of the whole world, discovered cathode rays. These sensational studies were followed by the statement about the problem of radiation, the so-called "black body" (1859), made by Gustav Kirchhoff, as well as the famous assumption of Ludwig Boltzmann that the energy states of any physical system can also be discrete (1877). ). Later, the quantum hypothesis developed by Max Planck (1900) appeared. It is considered one of the foundations of quantum physics. The bold statement that energy can both be emitted and absorbed in discrete "quanta" (or energy packets) is exactly in line with the observable patterns of black body radiation.

A great contribution to quantum physics was made by the world-famous Albert Einstein. Impressed by quantum theories, he developed his own. The general theory of relativity - that's what it's called. Discoveries in quantum physics also influenced the development of the special theory of relativity. Many scientists in the first half of the last century began to study this science at the suggestion of Einstein. She was at the forefront at that time, everyone liked her, everyone was interested in her. Not surprising, because she closed so many "holes" in classical physical science (however, she also created new ones), offered a scientific justification for time travel, telekinesis, telepathy and parallel worlds.

The role of the observer

Any event or state depends directly on the observer. Usually, this is how the basics of quantum physics are briefly explained to people who are far from the exact sciences. However, in reality, everything is much more complicated.

This is in perfect agreement with many occult and religious traditions that have insisted for centuries on the ability of people to influence the surrounding events. In some way, this is also the basis for scientific explanation extrasensory perception, because now the assertion that a person (observer) is able to influence physical events with the power of thought does not seem absurd.

Each eigenstate of an observable event or object corresponds to an eigenvector of the observer. If the spectrum of the operator (observer) is discrete, the observed object can only reach discrete eigenvalues. That is, the object of observation, as well as its characteristics, is completely determined by this very operator.

Unlike conventional classical mechanics (or physics), one cannot make simultaneous predictions of conjugate variables such as position and momentum. For example, electrons can (with a certain probability) be located approximately in a certain region of space, but their mathematical exact position is actually unknown.

Contours of constant probability density, often referred to as "clouds", can be drawn around the nucleus of an atom to conceptualize where an electron is most likely to be located. The Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle proves the inability to accurately locate a particle given its conjugate momentum. Some models in this theory have a purely abstract computational character and do not imply applied value. However, they are often used to calculate complex interactions at the level and other subtle matters. In addition, this branch of physics allowed scientists to assume the possibility of the real existence of many worlds. Perhaps we will be able to see them soon.

wave functions

The laws of quantum physics are very voluminous and varied. They intersect with the idea of ​​wave functions. Some special ones create a spread of probabilities that is inherently constant or independent of time, for example, when in a stationary state of energy, time seems to disappear with respect to the wave function. This is one of the effects of quantum physics, which is fundamental to it. The curious fact is that the phenomenon of time has been radically revised in this unusual science.

Perturbation theory

However, there are several reliable ways to develop the solutions needed to work with formulas and theories in quantum physics. One such method, commonly known as "perturbation theory", uses analytical result for an elementary quantum mechanical model. It was created to bring results from experiments to develop an even more complex model that is related to a simpler model. Here is the recursion.

This approach is especially important in the theory of quantum chaos, which is extremely popular for the interpretation of various events in microscopic reality.

Rules and laws

The rules of quantum mechanics are fundamental. They claim that the deployment space of a system is absolutely fundamental (it has a dot product). Another statement is that the effects observed by this system are at the same time peculiar operators that affect vectors in this very medium. However, they do not tell us which Hilbert space or which operators exist in this moment. They can be chosen appropriately to obtain a quantitative description of a quantum system.

Significance and influence

Since the emergence of this unusual science, many anti-intuitive aspects and results of the study of quantum mechanics have provoked loud philosophical debates and many interpretations. Even fundamental questions, such as the rules for calculating various amplitudes and probability distributions, deserve respect from the public and many leading scientists.

For example, one day he sadly remarked that he was not at all sure that any of the scientists understood quantum mechanics at all. According to Steven Weinberg, there is currently no one-size-fits-all interpretation of quantum mechanics. This suggests that scientists have created a "monster", to fully understand and explain the existence of which they themselves are unable to. However, this does not harm the relevance and popularity of this science in any way, but attracts young specialists who want to solve really complex and incomprehensible problems.

In addition, quantum mechanics has forced a complete revision of the objective physical laws of the universe, which is good news.

Copenhagen interpretation

According to this interpretation, the standard definition of causality known to us from classical physics is no longer needed. According to quantum theories, causality in the usual sense for us does not exist at all. All physical phenomena in them are explained from the point of view of the interaction of the smallest elementary particles at the subatomic level. This area, despite the seeming improbability, is extremely promising.

quantum psychology

What can be said about the relationship between quantum physics and human consciousness? This is beautifully written in a book written by Robert Anton Wilson in 1990 called Quantum Psychology.

According to the theory set forth in the book, all processes occurring in our brain are determined by the laws described in this article. That is, this is a kind of attempt to adapt the theory of quantum physics to psychology. This theory is considered parascientific and is not recognized by the academic community.

Wilson's book is notable for the fact that he cites a set of various techniques and practitioners who, to one degree or another, prove his hypothesis. One way or another, the reader must decide for himself whether or not he believes the viability of such attempts to apply mathematical and physical models to the humanities.

Some have taken Wilson's book as an attempt to justify mystical thinking and tie it to scientifically proven newfangled physical formulations. This highly non-trivial and striking work has been in demand for more than 100 years. The book is published, translated and read all over the world. Who knows, perhaps with the development of quantum mechanics, the attitude of the scientific community towards quantum psychology will also change.

Conclusion

Thanks to this remarkable theory, which soon became a separate science, we were able to explore the surrounding reality at the level of subatomic particles. This is the smallest level of all possible, completely inaccessible to our perception. What physicists previously knew about our world needs urgent revision. Absolutely everyone agrees with this. It became obvious that different particles can interact with each other at completely unthinkable distances, which we can only measure by complex mathematical formulas.

In addition, quantum mechanics (and quantum physics) has proven the possibility of many parallel realities, time travel and other things that throughout history were considered only the stuff of science fiction. This is undoubtedly a huge contribution not only to science, but also to the future of mankind.

For lovers of the scientific picture of the world, this science can be both a friend and an enemy. The fact is that quantum theory opens wide opportunities for various parascientific speculations, as has already been shown in one of the alternative psychological theories. Some modern occultists, esotericists and supporters of alternative religious and spiritual movements (most often psychocults) turn to the theoretical constructions of this science in order to substantiate the rationality and truth of their mystical theories, beliefs and practices.

This is an unprecedented case, when simple speculations of theorists and abstract mathematical formulas led to the very real scientific revolution and created new science, crossed out everything that was known before. To some extent, quantum physics has refuted the laws of Aristotelian logic, since it has shown that when choosing "either-or" there is one more (or, perhaps, several) alternatives.

Hello dear readers. If you want to keep up with life, be truly happy and a healthy person, you must know about the mysteries of quantum modern physics, at least a little idea to what depths of the universe scientists have dug today. You have no time to go into deep scientific details, but you want to comprehend only the essence, but to see the beauty of the unknown world, then this article: quantum physics for ordinary dummies or, one might say, for housewives, is just for you. I will try to explain what quantum physics is, but in simple words, show clearly.

"What is the connection between happiness, health and quantum physics?" you ask.

The fact is that it helps to answer many incomprehensible questions related to human consciousness, the influence of consciousness on the body. Unfortunately, medicine, relying on classical physics, does not always help us to be healthy. And psychology can't properly tell you how to find happiness.

Only deeper knowledge of the world will help us understand how to truly cope with illness and where happiness lives. This knowledge is found in the deep layers of the Universe. Quantum physics comes to the rescue. Soon you will know everything.

What does quantum physics study in simple words

Yes, indeed, quantum physics is very difficult to understand because it studies the laws of the microworld. That is, the world at its deeper layers, at very small distances, where it is very difficult for a person to look.

And the world, it turns out, behaves there very strangely, mysteriously and incomprehensibly, not as we are used to.

Hence all the complexity and misunderstanding of quantum physics.

But after reading this article, you will expand the horizons of your knowledge and look at the world in a completely different way.

Briefly about the history of quantum physics

It all started at the beginning of the 20th century, when Newtonian physics could not explain many things and scientists reached a dead end. Then Max Planck introduced the concept of quantum. Albert Einstein picked up this idea and proved that light does not propagate continuously, but in portions - quanta (photons). Prior to this, it was believed that light has a wave nature.

But as it turned out later, any elementary particle, it is not only a quantum, that is, a solid particle, but also a wave. This is how corpuscular-wave dualism appeared in quantum physics, the first paradox and the beginning of discoveries of mysterious phenomena of the microworld.

The most interesting paradoxes began when the famous double-slit experiment was carried out, after which the mysteries became much more. We can say that quantum physics began with him. Let's take a look at it.

Double slit experiment in quantum physics

Imagine a plate with two slots in the form of vertical stripes. We will put a screen behind this plate. If we direct light onto the plate, we will see an interference pattern on the screen. That is, alternating dark and bright vertical stripes. Interference is the result of the wave behavior of something, in our case light.

If you pass a wave of water through two holes located side by side, you will understand what interference is. That is, the light turns out to be sort of like it has a wave nature. But as physics, or rather Einstein, has proven, it is propagated by photon particles. Already a paradox. But it's okay, corpuscular-wave dualism will no longer surprise us. Quantum physics tells us that light behaves like a wave but is made up of photons. But the miracles are just beginning.

Let's put a gun in front of a plate with two slots, which will emit not light, but electrons. Let's start shooting electrons. What will we see on the screen behind the plate?

After all, electrons are particles, which means that the flow of electrons, passing through two slits, should leave only two stripes on the screen, two traces opposite the slits. Have you imagined pebbles flying through two slots and hitting the screen?

But what do we really see? All the same interference pattern. What is the conclusion: electrons propagate in waves. So electrons are waves. But after all it is an elementary particle. Again corpuscular-wave dualism in physics.

But we can assume that at a deeper level, an electron is a particle, and when these particles come together, they begin to behave like waves. For example, a sea wave is a wave, but it is made up of water droplets, and on a smaller level, molecules, and then atoms. Okay, the logic is solid.

Then let's shoot from a gun not with a stream of electrons, but let's release electrons separately, after a certain period of time. As if we were passing through the cracks sea ​​wave, but would spit in separate drops from a children's water pistol.

It is quite logical that in this case different drops of water would fall into different slots. On the screen behind the plate, one could see not an interference pattern from the wave, but two distinct impact fringes opposite each slit. We will see the same thing if we throw small stones, they, flying through two cracks, would leave a trace, like a shadow from two holes. Let's now shoot individual electrons to see these two stripes on the screen from electron impacts. They released one, waited, the second, waited, and so on. Quantum physicists have been able to do such an experiment.

But horror. Instead of these two fringes, the same interference alternations of several fringes are obtained. How so? This can happen if an electron flies through two slits at the same time, but behind the plate, like a wave, it collides with itself and interferes. But this cannot be, because a particle cannot be in two places at the same time. It either flies through the first slot or through the second.

This is where the truly fantastic things of quantum physics begin.

Superposition in quantum physics

With a deeper analysis, scientists find out that any elementary quantum particle or the same light (photon) can actually be in several places at the same time. And these are not miracles, but real facts microworld. This is what quantum physics says. That is why, when shooting a separate particle from a cannon, we see the result of interference. Behind the plate, the electron collides with itself and creates an interference pattern.

Ordinary objects of the macrocosm are always in one place, have one state. For example, you are now sitting on a chair, weigh, say, 50 kg, have a pulse rate of 60 beats per minute. Of course, these indications will change, but they will change after some time. After all, you cannot be at home and at work at the same time, weighing 50 and 100 kg. All this is understandable, this is common sense.

In the physics of the microcosm, everything is different.

Quantum mechanics claims, and this has already been confirmed experimentally, that any elementary particle can be simultaneously not only at several points in space, but also have several states at the same time, such as spin.

All this does not fit into the head, undermines the usual idea of ​​​​the world, the old laws of physics, turns thinking, one can safely say it drives you crazy.

This is how we come to understand the term "superposition" in quantum mechanics.

Superposition means that an object of the microcosm can simultaneously be in different points of space, and also have several states at the same time. And this is normal for elementary particles. Such is the law of the microworld, no matter how strange and fantastic it may seem.

You are surprised, but these are only flowers, the most inexplicable miracles, mysteries and paradoxes of quantum physics are yet to come.

Wave function collapse in physics in simple terms

Then the scientists decided to find out and see more precisely whether the electron actually passes through both slits. All of a sudden it goes through one slit and then somehow separates and creates an interference pattern as it passes through. Well, you never know. That is, you need to put some device near the slit, which would accurately record the passage of an electron through it. No sooner said than done. Of course, this is difficult to implement, you need not a device, but something else to see the passage of an electron. But scientists have done it.

But in the end, the result stunned everyone.

As soon as we start looking through which slit an electron passes through, it begins to behave not like a wave, not like a strange substance that is located at different points in space at the same time, but like an ordinary particle. That is, it begins to show the specific properties of a quantum: it is located only in one place, it passes through one slot, it has one spin value. What appears on the screen is not an interference pattern, but a simple trace opposite the slit.

But how is that possible. As if the electron is joking, playing with us. At first, it behaves like a wave, and then, after we decided to look at its passage through a slit, it exhibits the properties of a solid particle and passes through only one slit. But that's the way it is in the microcosm. These are the laws of quantum physics.

Scientists have seen another mysterious property of elementary particles. This is how the concepts of uncertainty and collapse of the wave function appeared in quantum physics.

When an electron flies towards the gap, it is in an indefinite state or, as we said above, in a superposition. That is, it behaves like a wave, it is located simultaneously at different points in space, it has two spin values ​​\u200b\u200b(a spin has only two values). If we didn’t touch it, didn’t try to look at it, didn’t find out exactly where it is, if we didn’t measure the value of its spin, it would fly like a wave through two slits at the same time, which means it would create an interference pattern. Quantum physics describes its trajectory and parameters using the wave function.

After we have made the measurement (and it is possible to measure a particle of the microworld only by interacting with it, for example, by colliding another particle with it), then the wave function collapses.

That is, now the electron is exactly in one place in space, has one spin value.

One can say that an elementary particle is like a ghost, it seems to exist, but at the same time it is not in one place, and with a certain probability it can be anywhere within the description of the wave function. But as soon as we begin to contact it, it turns from a ghostly object into a real tangible substance that behaves like ordinary objects of the classical world that are familiar to us.

"This is fantastic," you say. Sure, but the wonders of quantum physics are just beginning. The most incredible is yet to come. But let's take a break from the abundance of information and return to quantum adventures another time, in another article. In the meantime, reflect on what you learned today. What can such miracles lead to? After all, they surround us, this is a property of our world, albeit at a deeper level. Do we still think we live in a boring world? But we will draw conclusions later.

I tried to talk about the basics of quantum physics briefly and clearly.

But if you don’t understand something, then watch this cartoon about quantum physics, about the experiment with two slits, everything is also told there in an understandable, simple language.

Cartoon about quantum physics:

Or you can watch this video, everything will fall into place, quantum physics is very interesting.

Video about quantum physics:

How did you not know about this before?

Modern discoveries in quantum physics are changing our familiar material world.