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arXiv · 2412.02017

Teaching Quantum Formalism and Postulates to First-Year Undergraduates

Jeremy Levy·Chandralekha Singh
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Abstract

Traditional approaches to undergraduate-level quantum mechanics require extensive mathematical preparation, preventing most students from enrolling in a quantum mechanics course until the third year of a physics major. Here we describe an approach to teaching quantum formalism and postulates that can be used with first-year undergraduate students and even high school students. The only pre-requisite is a familiarity with vector dot products. This approach enables students to learn Dirac notation and core postulates of quantum mechanics at a much earlier stage in their academic career, which can help students prepare for careers in quantum science and engineering and advance the Second Quantum Revolution.

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Jeremy Levy, Chandralekha Singh. 2024-12-02. Teaching Quantum Formalism and Postulates to First-Year Undergraduates. https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.02017

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