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A Physical Model for Quantum Measurements

Keywords: Quantum Mechanics, Spins, Quantum Measurement, Kinesthetic Activity

wvqmmeasurement.jpg

Highlights of the activity

  1. This kinesthetic activity is designed to help upper-division undergraduate students understand the probabilistic nature of quantum measurement.
  2. Students use an envelope and slips of paper to model a quantum state.
  3. The whole class discussion focuses on using the model to understand the probabilistic nature of quantum measurement.

Reasons to spend class time on the activity

Students have a difficult time understanding the probabilistic (not deterministic) nature of the formalism of quantum mechanics. This activity proposes a model for thinking about what happens to a quantum system when a measurement is made.

Reflections

Instructor's Guide


Authors: Janet Tate, Elizabeth Gire (instructors guide)
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