**Classroom Notes - Introduction to Quantum Mechanics**

**Date: April 26, 2024**

**Topic: Wave-Particle Duality**

**Key Concepts:**

1. **Wave-Particle Duality**: Quantum mechanics introduces the fascinating concept

that particles, such as electrons and photons, can exhibit both wave-like and
particle-like properties depending on the circumstances of observation.

2. **Louis de Broglie's Hypothesis**: Louis de Broglie proposed that particles,

traditionally thought of as discrete entities, can also exhibit wave-like behavior.
He formulated the de Broglie wavelength (λ = h / p), where λ is the wavelength, h
is Planck's constant, and p is the momentum of the particle.

3. **Young's Double Slit Experiment**: This experiment demonstrates the wave-like

nature of particles. When a beam of light or a stream of particles is passed
through a barrier with two narrow slits, an interference pattern is observed on the
screen behind the slits, indicating wave-like behavior.

4. **Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle**: Proposed by Werner Heisenberg, this

principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously determine with perfect
accuracy both the position and momentum of a particle. This concept highlights the
inherent uncertainty in quantum mechanics.

5. **Wave Function**: In quantum mechanics, the state of a particle is described by

a mathematical function called the wave function, denoted by Ψ. The square of the
wave function, |Ψ|², gives the probability density of finding the particle at a
particular position.

6. **Observation vs. Measurement**: The act of observing a particle can collapse

its wave function, causing it to manifest as a definite particle with specific
properties. Prior to observation, the particle exists in a superposition of states,
representing all possible outcomes simultaneously.

**Additional Notes:**

- The wave-particle duality challenges our classical intuition about the nature of
particles and waves. Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping the
fundamental principles of quantum mechanics.

- Quantum mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the microscopic world and

laid the foundation for modern technologies such as semiconductor devices and
quantum computing.

- Further exploration of wave-particle duality has led to the development of

advanced experiments and theories, deepening our comprehension of the quantum realm
and its implications for the universe at large.

**References:**

- Griffiths, David J. "Introduction to Quantum Mechanics." Pearson, 2018.

- Feynman, Richard P. "The Feynman Lectures on Physics." Addison-Wesley, 1965.

*Note: These are simulated classroom notes for illustrative purposes only and do
not represent actual lecture content.*