Quantum Uncertainty (Last modified July 2009)

.....

Interactive Lecture using a Set of Demonstrations (60 minutes)
This lesson should be done after the students are familar with the wave model of light as it applies to diffraction, polarization and double-slit interference. They should also have been introduced the idea of photons. This lesson is a one-period review of the wave model of light and how this model breaks down with faint light. Once you are dealing with single photons you need a quantum physics explanation. These explanations deal with Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle and the uncertainty which results from the measurment-disturbance.

This lesson contains material from the lessons on Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, quantum interference, polarized photons and the quantum eraser. It allows you to do a through look at light in quantum physics in just one period.

This lesson involves lasers which have safety concerns that you should be aware of.

The lesson is organized into PowerPoint slides, with detailed teachers notes and a worksheet for the student.

Julie Lemay has translated the Interactive Lecture into French.

Thanks to Donald Messenger who noticed that there was a circular link that was hiding this page from the light of day.