Quantum Trivia

Which model is representing the electron as a wave ?

• Model 1

• Model 2

Answer explanation

An electron behaves both like a particle and as a wave. This is called the wave-particle theory, what's the big deal?!

During a physics lecture, Soham asked, "What is the Planck length?"

• A millimeter

• The length of an Ant

• The smallest possible length in the universe

• A centimeter

Answer explanation

It is a fundamental length scale in quantum mechanics and theoretical physics, representing the scale at which classical notions of space and time cease to have meaning.

The Planck length is derived from fundamental constants such as the speed of light, Planck's constant, and the gravitational constant.

At the Planck scale, what happens to traditional notions of length and time?

• They remain constant

• They become infinite

• They become Quantized

• They lose their meaning

Answer explanation

At the Planck scale, traditional notions of length and time lose their meaning.

The Planck scale represents the fundamental limit at which classical concepts of spacetime break down and quantum effects on gravity become significant.

Traditional notions of continuous and smooth spacetime, as described by classical physics, become uncertain and undefined at scales on the order of the Planck length and Planck time.

If we are secretly watching cars driving up to a junction, does the fact that we are watching them influence whether the drivers turn left or right?

• They will stop and will not move till we look away

• No, they will go where they want to go

• They will turn away from us

• Only on Sundays

Answer explanation

Watching the cars doesn't change their behavior. But when scientists try to "watch" particles, it makes the particles do something different. This is because they are so small that the instruments scientists use to look at the particles interferes with what the particles are doing.

It is a bit like if you are a very bad birdwatcher - if you cause too much disturbance the birds won't behave naturally, and they will fly away. This is called "observability" or the "observer effect" and means that it is very difficult for scientists to find out about these tiny particles.

Think of two particles as being like two unconnected coins which are miles apart. A scientist knows that one particle is showing "heads". Does this mean he automatically knows what the other particle is showing?

• No way!

• Only if they can phone a friend

• With special magic goggles

• Yes...and it's spooky

Answer explanation

If you answered "No way!", you are in good company - this was exactly what Einstein thought as well!

If coins worked like that, we could both toss a coin right now and I would be able to tell you how yours had landed by looking at mine.

But spookily, two subatomic particles which are miles away from each other can become linked in such a way that the actions of one can affect the other.
This is called "entanglement".

Thor's Mjolnir is made from the metal of a dying

• Planet

• Star

• Asteroid

• Black-hole

Which realm does Ant Man enter

What does the word Quantum mean?

• Very very fast

• Really tiny

• Something weird

• The smallest amount of something

Answer explanation

A quantum is a specific amount of energy. A quantum is such a small amount that it cannot be divided to make a smaller amount. It is sometimes thought of as a "packet" of energy.