Quantum Mechanics Key Principles

Study Notes

Wave-particle duality: particles, such as electrons, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior
Uncertainty principle: it is impossible to know certain properties of a particle, such as position and momentum, simultaneously with infinite precision
Superposition: a quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously
Entanglement: the properties of two or more particles can be correlated, even when separated by large distances

Quantum numbers: a set of numbers used to describe the energy, spin, and spatial distribution of an electron in an atom
Energy levels: discrete energy states that an electron can occupy in an atom
Photon: a particle of light, which exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior

Types of radiation: gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, visible light, infrared (IR) radiation, microwaves, and radio waves
Frequency and wavelength: a higher frequency corresponds to a shorter wavelength, and vice versa

Coulomb's Law: the force between two point charges is proportional to the product of the charges and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them
Electric field: a vector field that surrounds charged particles, with the direction of the field lines indicating the direction of the force experienced by a test charge
Electric potential: the potential energy per unit charge at a given point in space

Faraday's Law of Induction: a changing magnetic flux induces an electromotive force (EMF) in a closed loop of wire
Lenz's Law: the direction of the induced EMF is such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux
Magnetic field: a vector field that surrounds currents and magnets, with the direction of the field lines indicating the direction of the force experienced by a moving charge

Wave-particle duality: electrons can exhibit both wave-like behavior (e.g., diffraction, interference) and particle-like behavior (e.g., having a definite position and momentum).
Uncertainty principle: it is impossible to precisely measure both position and momentum simultaneously, as the act of measurement itself introduces uncertainty.
Superposition: a quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously, which is known as a superposition of states.
Entanglement: the properties of two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle cannot be described independently of the others, even when separated by large distances.

Quantum numbers: a set of four numbers (n, l, m, and s) that describe the energy, spin, and spatial distribution of an electron in an atom.
Energy levels: discrete energy states that an electron can occupy in an atom, which are described by the quantum numbers.
Photon: a particle of light that exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behavior, with energy and momentum that are dependent on its frequency.

Types of radiation: a range of electromagnetic radiation, including gamma rays, X-rays, UV, visible light, IR, microwaves, and radio waves, each with a specific frequency and wavelength.
Frequency and wavelength: a higher frequency corresponds to a shorter wavelength, and vice versa, with the speed of light (c) being the constant of proportionality.

Coulomb's Law: the force between two point charges is proportional to the product of the charges (q1 and q2) and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them (r).
Electric field: a vector field that surrounds charged particles, with the direction of the field lines indicating the direction of the force experienced by a test charge.
Electric potential: the potential energy per unit charge at a given point in space, which is related to the electric field.

Faraday's Law of Induction: a changing magnetic flux (ΔΦ) through a closed loop of wire induces an electromotive force (EMF) in the loop, with the magnitude of the EMF proportional to the rate of change of the flux.
Lenz's Law: the direction of the induced EMF is such that it opposes the change in magnetic flux, resulting in a force that opposes the change in the magnetic field.
Magnetic field: a vector field that surrounds currents and magnets, with the direction of the field lines indicating the direction of the force experienced by a moving charge.