Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Chapter 1: Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes nature at the smallest

scales of energy levels of atoms and subatomic particles. Quantum mechanics differs from classical

mechanics in that energy, momentum, angular momentum, and other quantities of a bound system

are restricted to discrete values (quantization), objects have characteristics of both particles and

waves (wave-particle duality), and there are limits to how precisely the value of a physical quantity

can be predicted prior to measurement, given a complete set of initial conditions (Heisenberg

uncertainty principle).

1.1 Historical Context

The early 20th century was a time of major upheaval in the field of physics. Classical

mechanics, which had been the foundation of physics since the time of Isaac Newton, began to

show limitations in explaining phenomena at atomic and subatomic levels. This led to the

development of quantum mechanics by scientists like Max Planck, Niels Bohr, and Albert Einstein.

1.2 Key Principles

1. Wave-Particle Duality: Particles can exhibit properties of both waves and particles.

2. Quantization of Energy: Energy levels in an atom are quantized, meaning electrons can only
 Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

occupy specific energy levels.

3. Uncertainty Principle: It is impossible to simultaneously know the exact position and

momentum of a particle.