Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics is the fundamental theory in physics that describes nature at the smallest scales of energy levels of atoms and subatomic particles.

Key Concepts

1. Wave-Particle Duality

Everything in the quantum world exhibits both wave-like and particle-like properties. This is beautifully demonstrated in the famous double-slit experiment.

2. The Quantum State

In quantum mechanics, the state of a system is described by a wave function (ψ), which contains all the information about the system.

3. Superposition

A quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously until it is measured. This is the principle behind quantum computing's power.

|ψ⟩ = α|0⟩ + β|1⟩

Where α and β are complex probability amplitudes.

4. Measurement

When we measure a quantum system, it "collapses" to one of its possible states. The probability of each outcome is given by |amplitude|².

Why Quantum Computing?

Classical computers use bits (0 or 1). Quantum computers use qubits that can be in superposition of both states simultaneously, enabling:

Exponential parallelism

Solving certain problems faster

Simulating quantum systems

Interactive Exercise

Try the superposition visualizer in our Virtual Lab to see these concepts in action!