Quantum Mechanics 9 - Zero Point Energy

          @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.