PIRSA:08080084

Outreach: ISSYP Virtual

Epp, R. (2008). Quantum Mechanics 9 - Zero Point Energy. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/08080084

Epp, Richard. Quantum Mechanics 9 - Zero Point Energy. Perimeter Institute, Aug. 13, 2008, https://pirsa.org/08080084 

@misc{ pirsa_PIRSA:08080084,
  doi = {},
  url = {https://pirsa.org/08080084},
  author = {Epp, Richard},
  keywords = {},
  language = {en},
  title = {Quantum Mechanics 9 - Zero Point Energy},
  publisher = {Perimeter Institute},
  year = {2008},
  month = {aug},
  note = {PIRSA:08080084 see, \url{https://pirsa.org}}
}

Abstract

Understanding the zero point energy of the quantum harmonic oscillator as a consequence of the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
Learning Outcomes:
• Understanding why the minimum energy of a ball in a bowl must be greater than zero based on the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle.
• How the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle adds a purely quantum mechanical kinetic energy to the ball, in addition to its classical potential energy.
• Understanding graphically how the total energy – the sum of the classical potential energy and the new quantum kinetic energy – has a minimum that is greater than zero: the zero point energy.

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