Grade 10
  1. Mechanics  1.1. Dynamics  1.1.1. Motion in one dimension  1.1.2. Motion in two dimensions  1.1.3. Displacement and Distance  1.1.4. Speed and Velocity  1.1.5. Acceleration  1.1.6. Graphical representation of motion  1.1.7. Equations of motion  1.1.8. Free fall and acceleration due to gravity  1.1.9. Projectile motion  1.1.10. Relative speed  1.2. Dynamics  1.2.1. Newton's Laws of Motion  1.2.2. Inertia and mass  1.2.3. Force and its types  1.2.4. action and reaction force  1.2.5. Friction and its effects  1.2.6. Coefficient of friction  1.2.7. Circular motion  1.2.8. Centripetal force and centripetal acceleration  1.2.9. Momentum and Impulse  1.2.10. Conservation of momentum  1.2.11. Newton's third law and applications  1.3. Work, Energy and Power  1.3.1. Work done by the force  1.3.2. Work–energy theorem  1.3.3. Kinetic energy  1.3.4. Potential energy  1.3.5. Mechanical energy  1.3.6. Energy Conservation  1.3.7. Power and efficiency  1.3.8. Renewable and non-renewable energy sources  1.4. Gravitational force  1.4.1. Newton's law of universal gravitation  1.4.2. Gravitational field and field strength  1.4.3. Acceleration due to gravity on different planets  1.4.4. Kepler's laws of planetary motion  1.4.5. Orbits and satellites  1.4.6. Weight and apparent weight  1.4.7. Gravitational potential energy
  2. Properties of matter  2.1. States of matter  2.1.1. Solid, liquid and gas  2.1.2. Molecular structure of matter  2.1.3. Intermolecular forces  2.1.4. Plasma and Bose–Einstein condensate  2.2. Pressure  2.2.1. Definition of Pressure  2.2.2. Pressure in liquids  2.2.3. Atmospheric pressure  2.2.4. Pascal's principle  2.2.5. Archimedes' Principle and Buoyancy  2.2.6. Surface tension and capillarity  2.3. Elasticity  2.3.1. Hooke's law  2.3.2. Stress and strain  2.3.3. Elastic Limit and Modulus of Elasticity  2.3.4. Applications of Elasticity
  3. Thermal physics  3.1. heat and temperature  3.1.1. Difference Between Heat and Temperature  3.1.2. Temperature scale  3.1.3. Thermal expansion  3.1.4. Thermal equilibrium  3.2. Heat transfer  3.2.1. Conductivity  3.2.2. Convection  3.2.3. Radiation  3.2.4. Insulation and its applications  3.3. Thermal properties of matter  3.3.1. Specific heat capacity  3.3.2. Latent heat and phase change  3.3.3. Boiling and Melting Point  3.3.4. Heat engines and refrigeration  3.4. Laws of Thermodynamics  3.4.1. Zeroth law of thermodynamics  3.4.2. First law of thermodynamics  3.4.3. Second law of thermodynamics  3.4.4. Carnot cycle
  4. Waves and optics  4.1. Nature and properties of waves  4.1.1. Types of waves in nature and properties of waves  4.1.2. Transverse and longitudinal waves  4.1.3. Wave parameters  4.1.4. Reflection and refraction of waves  4.1.5. Superposition and Interference  4.1.6. Standing Waves and Resonance  4.1.7. Doppler effect  4.2. Sound waves  4.2.1. Characteristics of sound waves  4.2.2. Speed of sound in different mediums  4.2.3. Applications of sound waves  4.2.4. Ultrasound and its uses  4.3. Light Waves and Optics  4.3.1. Nature of light  4.3.2. Reflection of light  4.3.3. Laws of reflection  4.3.4. Mirrors and Image Formation  4.3.5. Refraction of light  4.3.6. Snell's Law  4.3.7. Lenses and Image Formation  4.3.8. Total internal reflection and critical angle  4.3.9. Optical fibre  4.4. Optical Instruments  4.4.1. Microscope  4.4.2. Telescope  4.4.3. Human eye and vision defects  4.4.4. Camera and its working principle
  5. Electricity and Magnetism  5.1. Electrostatics  5.1.1. Electric charge and its properties  5.1.2. Conductors and Insulators  5.1.3. Coulomb's law  5.1.4. Electric field and field lines  5.1.5. Electric potential and potential difference  5.1.6. Capacitors and Capacitance  5.2. Current Electricity  5.2.1. Electric current and its measurement  5.2.2. Ohm's law  5.2.3. Resistance and resistivity  5.2.4. Series and Parallel Circuits  5.2.5. Electric power and energy  5.2.6. Kirchhoff's Laws  5.3. Magnetism and Electromagnetism  5.3.1. Magnetic field and field lines  5.3.2. Magnetic effects of electric current  5.3.3. Electromagnetic induction  5.3.4. Faraday's laws of electromagnetic induction  5.3.5. Transformers and Applications  5.3.6. AC and DC current
  6. Modern Physics  6.1. Nuclear physics  6.1.1. Structure of the atom  6.1.2. Bohr's atomic model  6.1.3. Electron Energy Levels  6.1.4. X-rays and applications  6.2. Radioactivity  6.2.1. Types of radiation  6.2.2. Half-life and radioactive decay  6.2.3. Nuclear reactions and applications  6.2.4. Fission and Fusion  6.3. Quantum physics  6.3.1. Wave–particle duality  6.3.2. Photoelectric effect  6.3.3. Energy quantization  6.3.4. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle
  7. Electronics and Communication  7.1. Semiconductors  7.1.1. Conductors, Insulators and Semiconductors  7.1.2. Diodes and their applications  7.1.3. Transistors and Logic Gates  7.1.4. LEDs and photodiodes  7.2. Communication Systems  7.2.1. Basics of communication  7.2.2. Analog and digital signals  7.2.3. Wireless and optical fibre communication  7.2.4. Radio Waves and Modulation

Grade 10 → Modern Physics ↓


Quantum physics


Introduction

Quantum physics is a branch of science that studies the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales. It is fundamentally different from the classical physics that most of us are familiar with. While classical physics deals with large objects such as cars and planets, quantum physics attempts to understand tiny particles such as atoms and electrons.

At this scale, the laws of classical physics don't always apply. Instead, particles can behave in strange and unpredictable ways. This has led to some of the most interesting discoveries in modern science.

The birth of quantum physics

The roots of quantum physics can be traced back to the early 20th century. During this time, scientists encountered phenomena that could not be explained by classical physics. For example, the photoelectric effect, where light causes the emission of electrons from a substance, could not be explained by the wave theory of light. This led Albert Einstein to propose that light is composed of particles called "photons."

These discoveries marked the beginning of quantum physics. As more scientists, such as Max Planck, Niels Bohr, and Erwin Schrödinger, continued to explore these ideas, a new picture of the universe began to emerge.

Principles of quantum physics

Wave–particle duality

One of the main concepts in quantum physics is wave-particle duality. This means that particles, such as electrons and photons, can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties.

Consider a simple analogy: Imagine a beach ball floating in the ocean. When you look at it from a distance, it behaves like a particle. But look closer, you'll see ripples forming on its surface. In the quantum world, these "waves" represent the probabilities where a particle might be found.

Uncertainty principle

The uncertainty principle, introduced by Werner Heisenberg, is another important aspect of quantum physics. It states that there is a limit to how precisely we can know the position and momentum of a particle at the same time. This is not just a limitation of our measurement instruments, but a fundamental feature of the universe.

ℏ/2

In the above formula, Δx is the uncertainty in position, Δp is the uncertainty in momentum, and ℏ is the reduced Planck constant.

Quantum tunneling

Quantum tunneling is a phenomenon in which particles can cross barriers that would be impossible to cross in classical physics. Imagine a ball struggling to roll up a steep hill; in the quantum world, the ball can easily "tunnel" to the other side.

Quantum superposition and entanglement

Quantum superposition

Quantum superposition refers to the ability of a particle to exist in multiple states simultaneously, until it is observed. Consider Schrödinger's famous thought experiment with the cat locked in the box. In the quantum sense, the cat is both alive and dead until you open the box.

Quantum entanglement

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon in which two or more particles become intertwined, so that the state of one affects the state of the other, even across great distances. It's like two dice always throwing the same number, no matter how far apart they are.

Mathematics of quantum physics

Quantum physics relies heavily on mathematics, particularly complex numbers and linear algebra. A fundamental equation is Schrödinger's equation, which describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time.

iℏ (∂/∂t) Ψ(x, t) = HΨ(x, t)

In this equation, i is the imaginary unit, ℏ is the reduced Planck constant, Ψ is the wave function, and H is the Hamiltonian operator.

Applications of quantum physics

Quantum physics is not just theoretical; it has many practical applications:

  • Semiconductors: Quantum mechanics is important in understanding semiconductors, which power all of our electronic devices.
  • Quantum computing: Quantum computers use the principles of superposition and entanglement to perform calculations far faster than conventional computers.
  • Lasers: The precise control of photons in a laser is an application of quantum mechanics.
  • Medical imaging: Techniques such as MRI rely on quantum principles to obtain detailed images of the body.

Conclusion

Quantum physics challenges our intuitive understanding of the world, revealing a reality that is both perplexing and beautiful. While the math and concepts can be complex, at its core, quantum physics is about exploring the nature of existence at its most fundamental level.

As our understanding of quantum physics continues to grow, so does its potential to transform technology and provide answers to some of the deepest mysteries of the universe.


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Quantum physics

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