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Understanding Modern Physics II

Quantum Mechanics and Atoms

4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 61 ratings
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Yi Wang

Course Overview: https://youtu.be/xyF-MmGNxd0

The 20th century was known as the century of physics. In the past 120 years, concepts such as space, time, energy, entropy and particles were understood to much deeper levels. New paradigms of thinking such as relativity and quantum mechanics emerged.

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Course Overview: https://youtu.be/xyF-MmGNxd0

The 20th century was known as the century of physics. In the past 120 years, concepts such as space, time, energy, entropy and particles were understood to much deeper levels. New paradigms of thinking such as relativity and quantum mechanics emerged.

This course is the second course in the Understanding Modern Physics series, which covers an introduction to quantum mechanics, atomic physics and quantum information. We will find (i) How the quantum world is different from our everyday experience, and why we need quantum mechanics; (ii) How to describe atoms in fundamental physics, why atoms do not collapse, and what are the atomic states; (iii) The nature of quantum information, and why quantum information is much richer than classical information.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Quantum Mechanics: Waves, Particles and Measurements
Quantum Mechanics: Schrodinger Equation
Atoms
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Studies quantum information, which provides foundational knowledge for applications like quantum cryptography, quantum computation, quantum teleportation, and quantum imaging
Emphasizes a conceptual understanding of quantum mechanics, making it accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and majors
Taught by Yi Wang, a tenured associate professor with expertise in quantum information processing and quantum physics
Provides a solid foundation for further exploration into related areas such as quantum computing and quantum information
Emphasizes the multifaceted nature of quantum information and its potential to extend beyond classical information processing
Suitable for students with a basic understanding of physics and mathematics, making it accessible to undergraduate students and those pursuing technical fields

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Reviews summary

A rigorous and enlightening quantum physics journey

According to students, this course offers a highly engaging and clear introduction to quantum mechanics and atomic physics, with many praising the instructor's exceptional ability to simplify complex concepts and their infectious passion. Learners appreciate the logical progression of topics, making it a strong foundation for modern physics. However, some reviews indicate that the course demands a very strong prior background in university-level mathematics and classical physics, which may not be explicitly clear to all prospective students, making it challenging for true beginners. While the course provides comprehensive theoretical coverage, a few students wished for more interactive exercises or practical applications.
Strong theoretical focus, limited hands-on exercises.
"My main criticism would be the lack of interactive exercises or deeper problem sets. It's mostly theoretical and knowledge-based..."
"I would have liked more hands-on problems or simulations to complement the theory, but for a conceptual course, it's very strong."
"A bit more practical application or examples would make it perfect."
Comprehensive introduction to quantum mechanics and atoms.
"A very comprehensive introduction to QM and atomic physics."
"Covers a lot of ground in quantum mechanics."
"The course quality is high, lectures are well-prepared. It's a challenging subject, and the course handles it fairly well."
Concepts are built logically, aiding understanding.
"The explanations of complex topics... were incredibly clear, even for someone who struggled with QM before. The lectures built up concepts logically."
"The lectures are well-structured and the examples helped."
"Excellent follow-up to the first part. The instructor builds concepts logically, making complex ideas digestible."
Instructor's passion and clarity make complex topics accessible.
"Absolutely fantastic! The instructor's passion for quantum mechanics is infectious."
"Professor Chan is brilliant! His ability to explain quantum phenomena in an accessible way is unmatched."
"The way the instructor breaks down wave-particle duality and the inherent weirdness of the quantum world is phenomenal."
Requires strong university-level math and physics foundation.
"Found this course extremely difficult. The concepts are very advanced and require a strong foundation in linear algebra and differential equations..."
"You definitely need a strong math background."
"While the instructor is knowledgeable, sometimes the explanations assumed too much prior knowledge. It's definitely not for complete beginners..."
"I struggled, feeling like I was missing some fundamental background in advanced math and classical physics."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms with these activities:
Follow video tutorials on quantum mechanics
Supplement your understanding of quantum mechanics concepts with engaging and interactive video tutorials.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Find a series of video tutorials on quantum mechanics from reputable sources.
  • Watch the videos at your own pace, taking notes and pausing to reflect on the concepts.
  • Complete any practice exercises or quizzes that accompany the videos.
Summarize and organize course materials
Improve your retention and understanding by organizing and summarizing course materials in a meaningful way.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Review your lecture notes, textbooks, and other course materials.
  • Extract key concepts, equations, and examples.
  • Organize the information into a coherent summary or outline.
Review 'Quantum Mechanics for Mathematicians'
Deepen your understanding of the mathematical foundations of quantum mechanics.
View Quantum Field Theory and Statistical Mechanics:... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the first three chapters of the book.
  • Summarize the key concepts and equations in each chapter.
  • Solve the practice problems at the end of each chapter.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a quantum mechanics study group
Collaborate with peers to reinforce your understanding and gain diverse perspectives on quantum mechanics.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Find a study group or start your own with classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss course material, solve problems together, and prepare for exams.
Solve quantum mechanics problems
Reinforce your understanding of quantum mechanics concepts and improve your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Find a set of quantum mechanics practice problems online or in a textbook.
  • Attempt to solve the problems on your own.
  • Check your solutions against the provided solutions or ask for help from a tutor or instructor.
Create a presentation on a specific topic in quantum mechanics
Develop a deeper understanding of a specific topic by researching, organizing, and presenting it to others.
Browse courses on Quantum Mechanics
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic in quantum mechanics that you are interested in.
  • Research the topic thoroughly, using textbooks, journal articles, and online resources.
  • Organize your research into a logical and engaging presentation.
  • Practice your presentation multiple times.
  • Deliver your presentation to a group of peers or classmates.
Build a quantum computer simulator
Deepen your understanding of quantum computing principles by building a practical simulator.
Browse courses on Quantum Computing
Show steps
  • Learn the basics of quantum computing, including qubits, gates, and circuits.
  • Choose a quantum computing simulator platform or framework.
  • Design and implement a simple quantum algorithm using the simulator.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Quantum Information Scientist
Quantum Information Scientists research and develop new ways to use quantum mechanics to process and transmit information. This course provides an introduction to quantum information, which is a rapidly growing field with the potential to revolutionize computing and communication.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Information Scientist
Theoretical Physicist
Theoretical Physicists develop and test theories about the fundamental laws of nature. This course provides an introduction to quantum mechanics, which is one of the most important and successful theories in physics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Theoretical Physicist
Atomic Physicist
Atomic Physicists study the structure of atoms and their interactions with each other. This course helps build a foundation for Atomic Physicists by providing an introduction to quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course covers topics such as the Schrodinger equation, which is essential for understanding the behavior of atoms and their interaction with light and other particles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Atomic Physicist
Experimental Physicist
Experimental Physicists design and conduct experiments to test theories about the fundamental laws of nature. This course provides an introduction to quantum mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of atoms and other particles.
See salaries and explore the career path for Experimental Physicist
Computational Physicist
Computational Physicists use computers to simulate and model physical systems. This course provides an introduction to quantum mechanics, which is essential for understanding the behavior of atoms and other particles. The course also covers topics such as the Schrodinger equation, which can be used to solve problems in quantum mechanics.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computational Physicist
Nuclear Engineer
Nuclear Engineers design and operate nuclear power plants. This course may be helpful for Nuclear Engineers who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer
Medical Physicist
Medical Physicists use physics to develop and use medical imaging techniques. This course may be helpful for Medical Physicists who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Physicist
Science Writer
Science Writers communicate complex scientific concepts to the general public. This course may be helpful for Science Writers who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer
Science Teacher
Science Teachers teach science to students at all levels. This course may be helpful for Science Teachers who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher
Geophysicist
Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth. This course may be helpful for Geophysicists who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist
Materials Scientist
Materials Scientists develop and study new materials. This course may be helpful for Materials Scientists who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist
Mechanical Engineer
Mechanical Engineers design and build machines. This course may be helpful for Mechanical Engineers who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechanical Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electrical Engineers design and build electrical systems. This course may be helpful for Electrical Engineers who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Computer Engineer
Computer Engineers design and build computers. This course may be helpful for Computer Engineers who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer
Chemical Engineer
Chemical Engineers design and build chemical plants. This course may be helpful for Chemical Engineers who want to learn more about quantum mechanics and atomic physics. The course provides an overview of the basic concepts of quantum mechanics and how they are used to understand the behavior of atoms.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chemical Engineer

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Understanding Modern Physics II: Quantum Mechanics and Atoms.
Cover image
Quantum Mechanics: A Modern Development (2nd...
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Merzbacher's Quantum Mechanics provides an in-depth treatment of the fundamentals of quantum mechanics suitable for graduate students in physics.
QUANTUM MECHANICS: A MODERN DEVELOPMENT (2ND...
Hardcover
$$$$
Quantum Mechanics: A Modern Development (2nd...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Quantum Mechanics
Save
McWeeny's Quantum Physics of Atoms and Molecules provides a comprehensive treatment of the quantum mechanics of atoms and molecules.
Quantum Mechanics
Paperback
Check
Quantum Mechanics
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Zen of Exotic Computing
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Nielsen and Chuang's Quantum Information: An Overview comprehensive textbook that provides an accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantum information theory.
The Zen of Exotic Computing
Paperback
Check
The Zen of Exotic Computing
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
The Physics of Atoms and Quanta
Save
Bethe and Salpeter's The Physics of Atoms and Quanta classic textbook that provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamental principles of atomic physics.
The Physics of Atoms and Quanta: Introduction to...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Introduction to Topological Quantum Matter &...
Save
Griffiths' Quantum Mechanics comprehensive textbook that provides a clear and accessible introduction to the fundamental concepts of quantum mechanics.
Introduction to Topological Quantum Matter &...
Hardcover
$$$$
Introduction to Topological Quantum Matter &...
Paperback
$$
Introduction to Topological Quantum Matter &...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Introduction to Topological Quantum Matter &...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Quantum Computer Science
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Mermin's Principles of Quantum Computation and Information provides a clear and accessible introduction to the fundamental principles of quantum computation and information.
Quantum Computer Science: An Introduction
Hardcover
$$$
Quantum Computer Science: An Introduction
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Pinch Technique and its Applications to Non...
Save
Peskin and Schroeder's Quantum Field Theory provides a comprehensive treatment of the fundamental principles of quantum field theory.
The Pinch Technique and its Applications to Non...
Hardcover
$$$$
The Pinch Technique and its Applications to Non...
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Foundations of Plasma Physics for Physicists and...
Save
Hubbard's Quantum Mechanics for Mathematicians provides a rigorous treatment of the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics.
Foundations of Plasma Physics for Physicists and...
Paperback
Check
Foundations of Plasma Physics for Physicists and...
Kindle Edition
Check

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Course image
Rating
4.7 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
10 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Instructor
Yi Wang
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Studies quantum information, which provides foundational knowledge for applications like quantum cryptography, quantum computation, quantum teleportation, and quantum imaging
Emphasizes a conceptual understanding of quantum mechanics, making it accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and majors
Taught by Yi Wang, a tenured associate professor with expertise in quantum information processing and quantum physics
Provides a solid foundation for further exploration into related areas such as quantum computing and quantum information
Emphasizes the multifaceted nature of quantum information and its potential to extend beyond classical information processing
Suitable for students with a basic understanding of physics and mathematics, making it accessible to undergraduate students and those pursuing technical fields
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