The maze of quantum mechanics

Published 8 August 2002 Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd
, , Citation Guy Vandegrift 2002 Eur. J. Phys. 23 513 DOI 10.1088/0143-0807/23/5/308

0143-0807/23/5/513

Abstract

Students can explore quantum mechanics with a concept map that uses only the most elementary solutions to Schrödinger's equation. The content has been slightly modified from the traditional introduction to the subject because the issue of interpretation is postponed until Parseval's theorem is reached and used to postulate two fundamental equations of probability, simultaneously. A set of canonical but approximate equations can describe wavepacket motion for most linear waves. If restricted to certain special cases, these equations of wavepacket motion are easily derived and can serve as a temporary substitute for Ehrenfest's theorem. A number of exercises can be incorporated into this maze of quantum mechanics.

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10.1088/0143-0807/23/5/308