Quantum Mechanics

A quarter wave plate is used to convert linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light or vice versa by introducing a phase difference of a quarter wavelength between the two orthogonal polarization components. This property is useful in controlling the polarization state of light in various optical systems and applications such as in microscopy, telecommunications, and optical devices.

Yes, Raman effect or, more usually, Raman scattering, is indeed supported by the quantum theory of light. Raman scattering is the inelastic scattering of light (photons) off matter, and it is included in quantum theory. Most photons scatter elastically, and Rayleigh scattering explains this. But a tiny fraction of photons come away from a scattering event at the same energy as they entered it. Raman described this effect in liquids, and Landsberg and Mandelstam later described it in crystals.

One of the curiosities of quantum theory is that it has been modified over the years as new information has been presented. It was a good theory in its inception, and the basic tenants remain at its foundation. But as with any effective explanation of the way things work, it has been "expanded" to encompass the later discoveries that more clearly detailed and refined what it says. Why would it not have been?

Quantum mechanics describes the behavior of particles at the atomic level by providing a probabilistic framework for their position and properties. The electron's position around the nucleus is described by a probability distribution known as an orbital. Quantum numbers define the allowed energy levels and spatial distribution of electrons within an atom, ultimately determining its atomic structure.

Quarks are elementary particles that combine to form protons and neutrons, which are found in the nucleus of atoms. Leptons are another type of elementary particle that do not participate in the strong nuclear force and include electrons, muons, and tau particles. Quarks have fractional electric charges while leptons have integer electric charges.

Yes, all incandescent solids emit thermal radiation according to the Stefan-Boltzmann law, which states that the total energy emitted per unit surface area is proportional to the fourth power of the absolute temperature.

In a transistor, quantum mechanics is crucial for explaining how electrons flow and are controlled within the device. Quantum tunneling allows electrons to move through barriers that would be impassable according to classical physics, enabling transistor behavior such as amplification and switching. Understanding the quantum behavior of electrons in transistors is essential for designing and optimizing electronic devices for various applications.

This is a tough question to answer because how "hard" something is is relative.

A clearer question to ask would be, "In physics, does quantum mechanics contain the "hardest" math when compared to the other major areas of physics (i.e. mechanics, E&M, thermodynamics)?" To answer the new question: From my experience, in undergraduate physics, yes. Quantum mechanics is not necessarily the most mathematically intense but it uses many many mathematical tools to solve various problems.

The size of a quantum dot determines its bandgap, which in turn determines the color it emits. Smaller quantum dots have a larger bandgap and emit light with higher energy, appearing blue. Larger quantum dots have a smaller bandgap and emit light with lower energy, appearing red. This is due to the quantum confinement effect, where the size of the dot restricts the motion of electrons and holes, affecting the energy levels and thus the emitted color.

Erwin Schrödinger is the scientist responsible for formulating the wave mechanics model of the atom as part of quantum mechanics. His work led to the development of mathematical equations that describe the behavior of electrons in atoms as wave functions.

The "latest discovery" is, naturally, a moving target. Attempting to keep this space up to date would only duplicate the efforts of NASA and other space agencies around the world to post the latest news on their web sites. In other words, see nasa.gov[http://www.nasa.gov/].

In a gravitational field, flames usually burn upwards because the hot gases in the flames are less dense than the surrounding gases, hence buoyant forces cause the hot, luminous gases (which we see as the flame) to rise. In a zero gravity environment, the direction of the flame is not necessarily "up" since "up" is arbitrary without a gravitational field.

The current state of affairs with regard to the expansion of the universe point to dark energy as the cause of the expansion of the universe. It is not a force though.

The electron cloud is often represented with a fuzzy outline because electrons can be found in different locations within the space around the atom at any given moment. What we mean is that though each electron has a fixed energy level in which it "lives" in the cloud, it is not confined to a fixed physical location or position. Electrons are always in motion, and they can be found a little closer to an atomic nucleus one moment, and a little farther away in the next moment. Use the link below to a related question to learn a little more.

The sun emits a continuous spectrum, which includes all wavelengths of light across the electromagnetic spectrum. This spectrum results from the thermal radiation of the sun's surface.

The Higgs boson is a subatomic particle that can be found in high-energy particle physics experiments, such as those conducted at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Switzerland. It is not located in a specific place but is created temporarily in particle collisions before quickly decaying into other particles.

Cloudy skies, mazes, question marks, and a scale tipping back and forth could represent uncertainty.

Postwar uncertainty refers to the period following the end of a war when political, economic, and social structures are often unstable and unpredictable. This uncertainty can stem from issues such as power struggles, reconstruction challenges, shifting alliances, and the impact of war on societies. It may also involve concerns about reintegration of veterans, displaced populations, and economic recovery.

The electron is the particle most involved with quantum theory. Its behavior and properties are governed by quantum mechanics, which describes the behavior of very small particles like electrons.

Nuclear energy is a form of energy produced inside particles of matter, specifically within the nucleus of an atom through processes like fission or fusion. This energy can be harnessed for various applications such as generating electricity in nuclear power plants.

Particles that make up matter are in constant motion. This motion can be translational (moving from one place to another), vibrational (vibrating in place), or rotational (spinning around an axis). This motion is a result of the internal energy of the particles.

Electrons are fermions and thus cannot occupy the same quantum states. They obey Fermi-Dirac statistics, and will occupy energy levels accordingly. This is different to the classica state where all electrons are pretty much equal (equal energies etc) and are not taken to be distrubuted amongst multiple states and energies. See Fermi Gas Model for a treatment of quantum free electron theory.

The maximum magnitude of their vector sum occurs when the two vectors are in the same direction, giving a sum of 3.5 km + 4 km = 7.5 km. The minimum magnitude of their vector sum occurs when the two vectors are in opposite directions, giving a magnitude of 4 km - 3.5 km = 0.5 km.

yes. everything is made of tiny particles.

The Higgs boson was first discovered on July 4, 2012 at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN in Switzerland. The discovery was a significant milestone in particle physics and confirmed the existence of the Higgs field, which gives particles mass.