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Quantum Physics Online: Wave/Particle Duality

by Manuel Joffre
 

Ratings

Overall Rating:

4.33 stars
Content Quality: 4 stars
Effectiveness: 4 stars
Ease of Use: 5 stars
Reviewed: Jan 12, 2002 by Physics
Overview: An applet that illustrates wave/particle duality by simulating the paradox regarding aperture diffraction when illuminating with particles of matter or light. The "shot rate" can be low enough to observe individual particle events. This item is part of a larger site (http://www.quantum-physics.polytechnique.fr/)containing several related items.
Learning Goals: To understand the concept of wave-particle duality by visualization.
Target Student Population: Introductory to upper-level quantum mechanics.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills: Introductory modern physics
Type of Material: Java simulation
Technical Requirements: None

Evaluation and Observation

Content Quality

Rating: 4 stars
Strengths: This applet adds intuitive depth to a topic often discussed in introductory quantum mechanics courses. An excellent simulation of the two-slit experiment.


All relevant physical quantities are clearly displayed. Nifty graphics.

Concerns: This applet provides only "half of a loaf" for deciphering wave-particle duality: Extending this applet to include situations where one or the other slit is closed and where each slit is closed half the time would be very illuminating for grasping the subtle and difficult concept of wave-particle duality.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating: 4 stars
Strengths: Recommended Use for Material: Lecture/Demo


Available apertures range from one to ten slits. There is a bit of textual explanation that is clear and concise. This is an excellent applet for use in lectures.


A very well done applet that illustrates a core concept of quantum mechanics in a very clear and intuitive way.

Concerns: Uses Material is not Suited For: Tutorial or Homework.


A very minor point, the top display simulates a photographic emulsion. It might perhaps be better to render this with shading. The histogram plot below presents this information, but the two displays can be a bit confusing, especially after the applet has run for long time.


The accompanying text is scarce. Student ancillaries for this applet are necessary in order to use it for tutorials and homework assignments. Links to or references for treatments on wave-particle duality would be helpful.


Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating: 5 stars
Strengths: The applet is very well organized and is very aesthetically done. The interface is very user-friendly.
Concerns:
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