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American Journal of Physics
written by Guangtian Zhu and Chandralekha Singh
The Stern–Gerlach experiment can play an important role in teaching the formalism of quantum mechanics. In the context of a finite-dimensional Hilbert space students can learn how to prepare a specific quantum state starting from an arbitrary state, issues related to the time evolution of the wave function and quantum measurement. The Stern–Gerlach experiment can also be used to teach the distinction between the physical space where the experiment is performed and the Hilbert space where the state of the system lies, and how information about the state of the system in the Hilbert space can be exploited to interpret the possible outcomes of the experiment in physical space. Students can learn the advantages of choosing an appropriate basis to make predictions about the outcomes of experiments with different arrangements of Stern–Gerlach devices. The latter can also help students understand that an ensemble of identically prepared systems is not the same as a mixture. We discuss student difficulties with the Stern–Gerlach experiment based on written tests and interviews with advanced undergraduate and graduate students in quantum mechanics courses. We also discuss preliminary data which suggest that the Quantum Interactive Learning Tutorial on the Stern–Gerlach experiment is helpful in improving student understanding of these concepts.
American Journal of Physics: Volume 79, Issue 5, Pages 499-507
Subjects Levels Resource Types
Education Foundations
- Alternative Conceptions
Education Practices
- Technology
= Multimedia
Quantum Physics
- Spin and Finite Dimensional Systems
- Upper Undergraduate
- Graduate/Professional
- Reference Material
= Research study
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© 2011 American Association of Physics Teachers
DOI:
10.1119/1.3546093
NSF Number:
0653129
PACSs:
01.40.Fk
03.65.-w
Keywords:
Hilbert spaces, Quantum Physics, computer aided instruction, quantum theory, research study, student difficulties
Record Creator:
Metadata instance created June 21, 2012 by Zachary Davis
Record Updated:
March 4, 2013 by Lyle Barbato
Last Update
when Cataloged:
May 1, 2011
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AIP Format
G. Zhu and C. Singh, , Am. J. Phys. 79 (5), 499 (2011), WWW Document, (https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3546093).
AJP/PRST-PER
G. Zhu and C. Singh, Improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics via the Stern–Gerlach experiment, Am. J. Phys. 79 (5), 499 (2011), <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3546093>.
APA Format
Zhu, G., & Singh, C. (2011, May 1). Improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics via the Stern–Gerlach experiment. Am. J. Phys., 79(5), 499-507. Retrieved November 10, 2024, from https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3546093
Chicago Format
Zhu, Guangtian, and Chandralekha Singh. "Improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics via the Stern–Gerlach experiment." Am. J. Phys. 79, no. 5, (May 1, 2011): 499-507, https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3546093 (accessed 10 November 2024).
MLA Format
Zhu, Guangtian, and Chandralekha Singh. "Improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics via the Stern–Gerlach experiment." Am. J. Phys. 79.5 (2011): 499-507. 10 Nov. 2024 <https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3546093>.
BibTeX Export Format
@article{ Author = "Guangtian Zhu and Chandralekha Singh", Title = {Improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics via the Stern–Gerlach experiment}, Journal = {Am. J. Phys.}, Volume = {79}, Number = {5}, Pages = {499-507}, Month = {May}, Year = {2011} }
Refer Export Format

%A Guangtian Zhu %A Chandralekha Singh %T Improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics via the Stern–Gerlach experiment %J Am. J. Phys. %V 79 %N 5 %D May 1, 2011 %P 499-507 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3546093 %O application/pdf

EndNote Export Format

%0 Journal Article %A Zhu, Guangtian %A Singh, Chandralekha %D May 1, 2011 %T Improving students' understanding of quantum mechanics via the Stern–Gerlach experiment %J Am. J. Phys. %V 79 %N 5 %P 499-507 %8 May 1, 2011 %U https://doi.org/10.1119/1.3546093


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