Quantum Mechanics 9 - Zero Point Energy
APA
Epp, R. (2008). Quantum Mechanics 9 - Zero Point Energy. Perimeter Institute. https://pirsa.org/08080084
MLA
Epp, Richard. Quantum Mechanics 9 - Zero Point Energy. Perimeter Institute, Aug. 13, 2008, https://pirsa.org/08080084
BibTex
@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}}
}
University of Waterloo
Talk number
PIRSA:08080084
Collection
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.
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.