Quantum Mechanics

The contents of this course will be uncertain until you observe it; but the wavefunctions span history, concepts and application.
Teacher: Wenhao Sun

In the 80 years since its development, quantum mechanics has revolutionized our understanding of physics, and to this day remains the most accurate scientific theory ever conceived. In this course, we will begin by discussing the three important experiments that led to the birth of quantum mechanics, followed by re-derivations of groundbreaking theoretical developments by Einstein, Planck, Rutherford, Bohr, and Heisenberg. We will then delve into the fundamentals of quantum theory based around the Schrodinger Equation, emphasizing a conceptual understanding of electron dynamics. Using our background, we will build the periodic table from first-principles, and explore the role of quantum mechanics in chemistry, materials science, and condensed matter physics. This course will finish with student projects that utilize MIT supercomputers to perform quantum mechanical calculations, where we will predict, from scratch, the properties of new solar cells, lithium-ion batteries and other renewable energy materials.

This is an advanced course for talented high school students who are interested and prepared for discussions in college-level physics.

For the application...

Prerequisites

Mastery of precalculus and at least one year of physics at the honors/AP/IB level. Calculus and Chemistry recommended but not necessary.

Relevant experience

Any advanced math, physics, and chemistry classes and activities

Application Question (Core-specific free response)

This cartoon of an atom is often used to introduce atomic structure to new students. Using your knowledge of physics, explain at least 3 ways in which the cartoon is wrong and/or incomplete.

Bonus: Describe what a real atom ‘looks’ like, focusing on the electrons. Explain it as you would to a 5th grader.

For your responses, “make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler.” ~ Albert Einstein