Question: What is your favourite bit about quantum physics?

Marta Varela answered on 15 Mar 2017:

Hello quantumphysics.

I see you are bouncing the question I asked you earlier back at me!

I think what I like most about quantum mechanics is trying to make sense of the results it gives you. To solve quantum mechanics problems, you typically write up the hamiltonian of the system (this is a quantity related to the system’s energy) and solve some equations (like Schrodinger’s equation, the scientist with a famous cat).

The problem is trying to interpret what the solutions of the equations tell you! Some people like to thing in terms of particles being created and destroyed as the system changes energy, others see waves being emitted or received: choose your favourite picture! There are usually lots of strange implications as well, such as Schordinger’s quantum cat being both alive and dead until you open the box (I am assuming you are familiar with this cat).

An even stranger one is called quantum teleportation. Say Schrodinger’s quantum cat had an “entangled twin”, who was sent to the Moon in another unopened box. You, on Earth, open the box with Schrodinger’s quantum cat and find it alive. As soon as you peeked, you instantly killed the cat on the Moon!

Do you want more examples of strange things about quantum mechanics? I don’t think I got to hear your answer about what your favourite bit of QM was…