Quantum Mechanics I: The key experiments and wave-particle duality

The double slit experiment, which implies the end of Newtonian Mechanics is described. The de Broglie relation between wavelength and momentum is deduced from experiment for photons and electrons. The photoelectric effect and Compton scattering, which provided experimental support for Einstein's photon theory of light are reviewed. The wave function is introduced along with the probability interpretation. The uncertainty principle is shown arise from the fact that the particle's location is determined by a wave and that waves diffract when passing a narrow opening.

00:00 - Chapter 1. Recap of Young's double slit experiment
09:10 - Chapter 2. The Particulate Nature of Light
23:15 - Chapter 3. The Photoelectric Effect
31:19 - Chapter 4. Compton's scattering
36:10 - Chapter 5. Particle-wave duality of matter
48:33 - Chapter 6. The Uncertainty Principle

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Spring 2010.