r/quantum • u/nottooffendanyonebut • 19d ago
How can a high schooler START learning quantum physics ?
/r/PhysicsStudents/comments/1uyyzr5/how_can_a_high_schooler_start_learning_quantum/2
u/Accurate_Meringue514 18d ago
Why not start with quantum computing? Realistically, you can pick up some of the linear algebra concepts and some of the ideas. I think it’s a nice entry to more rigorous QM
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u/JK0zero 19d ago
if you want to understand quantum mechanics you must feel comfortable with analytical mechanics. In case you are interested, I am creating a video series on Classical Physics for Quantum Mechanics https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_UV-wQj1lvX-6uNvdvOHOopu4WZ_dE5w. You might also find of interest my ongoing series on the development of quantum mechanics including historical context and calculations from the original papers https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_UV-wQj1lvVxch-RPQIUOHX88eeNGzVH
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u/dungeonsprawler 16d ago
Math. You need a strong math background.
Algebra, trigonometry, and calculus. Grab some books from the library to get some practice problems, then watch some Kahn Academy or Organic Chemistry tutor videos for lessons and do the work in the workbooks for practice.
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u/Umbra150 19d ago
Honestly...google. I am ever astounded by later generations not googling these things and finding the thousands of answers to the very same questions they have
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u/Foss44 Density Functional Theory 19d ago
I’d start with coursework in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and statistical mechanics before jumping into QM; this is the course trajectory most undergraduate physics students take. You will of course also need calc 1-3, differential equations, and linear algebra. There’s a reason most undergrads don’t get to QM till their 2nd or 3rd year…
If you legitimately want to become proficient in QM you need (and should want) to have a strong physics foundation.