Semester 1 White Paper

Here is a PDF:

Brianna Ryan

Independent Science Research - F Period

Dr. Bill Wiecking

December 8, 2017

Quantum Mechanics

Abstract:
My main project for the semester was studying quantum mechanics and filling in the holes in my knowledge by starting to implement more advanced physics and mathematics and through hopeful experimentation. I then want to apply this knowledge to my other projects, such as the International MoonBase Summit, HI-SEAs, and the NASA Ames Space Settlement Design Competition, and to build a muon detector next semester.

Introduction and Goals:

Ever since I was younger I have been absolutely fascinated with the universe and the stars and by the time I reached sixth grade I wanted to study dark matter and dark energy. However, to understand anything in that area of study I had to first have some knowledge of quantum mechanics, and shortly after looking into the subject, I fell in love with it. My original project was to continue working on a website I started, called Particle World, which was basically an educational platform for the average person to learn about the world of subatomic particles as it is extremely interesting but very hard to find easy to understand information about. However, as I started ISR and started working with Dr. Bill I found that I had finally reached a level in both physics and mathematics that I could start filling some of the holes in my knowledge and could start creating a mathematical base that would help me answer some of my many questions. As I went through the semester I also started to pick up many other projects along the way such as IMS, HI-SEAs, NASA Ames, and starting to learn more computer science. My original goal for the semester and the main essential question I started with was what could I do in terms of experimentation and mathematics to learn more about quantum mechanics, as working in the field normally requires a great deal of money, knowledge and time.

Planning and Implementation:

My project consisted of three different parts that I wanted to work on when I started; I wanted to grow my knowledge on quantum mechanics, learn more about computer science and coding so I could make my website, and I wanted to learn more about the Elab and get involved in more ISR projects as this was my first semester and I didn’t really know what I was walking into. For learning more about computer science I started learning Unix through experimentation with terminal and an online textbook and I start learning Python through an edX course online. I also starting working with Dr. Bill and Oliver Grayson, who has helped me a lot in this area. For learning more about quantum mechanics I have used a lot of different resources. I have read through many different books and published papers and I have been in contact with many different scientists asking them some of my many questions. I would have to say that my most important resources have been the Feynman Lectures, “Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems, Dr. Bill, and Dr. Don Lincoln who is a theoretical physicist at Fermilab. Perhaps the biggest resources I have been using are my AP Physics C class and my multivariable calculus class, as both have played integral roles in allowing me to start applying mathematics and physics to the quantum world. The steps that I have completed this semester have been creating a catalog of particles, learning more about complex physics, and reading through Feynman's Lectures. The biggest milestone I hit was when I started reading “Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems” and I realized that with physics C and multivariable, I finally had enough knowledge to understand the material.

Challenges and Next Steps:

During this first semester, I encounter various problems and difficulties along the way, many having to do with breaking through different knowledge barriers. I am constantly coming across different aspects of my research that I don’t understand, and normally Dr. Bill helps me through them or I search up the subject in some of the books I am using. However, this doesn’t always work and sometimes it takes a lot of time and can be extremely frustrating. Trying to learn this complex material that can take a painstakingly long time to work through and comprehend it, so this is an example of an occasion where the only way I can work through my difficulties is by giving them the time they deserve and I have worked through most of them this semester. Overall, I have completed a lot this semester as I have created a catalog of particles, learned a lot more theoretical and quantum physics, learned how to apply mathematics (such as Hamiltonians) to what I am studying, and overall increased my knowledge of quantum physics tenfold. I have also learned a lot more in the realm of computer science and can now code basic Unix. I have also learned a lot more about building space settlements and have gotten involved in incredible projects which I plan on working more on next semester. I also answered my main question I started ISR with which is what can I do in terms of experimentation with quantum mechanics or do I simply have to wait until I can work at a large hadron collider? In response to this question, next semester I plan on taking my project to the next level by building a muon detector. Muons are subatomic particles emitted from the sun and once I build the detector I will be able to see how many travel through it at any point in time.

Over the past semester, I have learned many different skills. I have learned how to work with extremely complex mathematics and how to read Feynman diagrams. I have also learned how to code Unix and a little bit of Python. Last, but not least, I have learned how to pursue through extremely complicated and dense information which has allowed me to increase my knowledge in the area I love. The only thing I would want to change for next semester is that I would like to get more organized, as I feel like I was a little bit all over the place as this was my first semester, and I think if I do get more organized I will be able to get a lot more accomplished.

APPENDIX A: Project Documentation

This is the theoretical page of Particle World. Although the website fell to the backburner I am still working on it and I have made substantial progress since the beginning of the year.

This is some of my work using Hamiltonians to try and figure out the Schrodinger Multi-Body Equation.

This is our current model for Hoke Ehu (Stardust) which is the space settlement we are designing for the NASA Space Settlement Design Competition.

Here is a picture of the International MoonBase Summit.

Coding with Unix in my terminal. In this example, I was searching for a certain file I had misplaced.

This is the Omega Baryon section of my particle catalog. The catalog contains every piece of basic information that I would need to use in calculations or need if I was writing about the particle. This has proven to be very useful throughout the last semester.

APPENDIX B: Key Resources

• Feynman Lectures

The Feynman Lectures have proven to be increadibly useful as Feynman addresses a lot of the basics of advanced physics and he manages to write it in ways that are easier to understand then most other books.

• “Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems”

This book is helping me learn how to apply mathematics to the physics and I have currently read chapters 1 and 7, but I am planning on finishing the rest of the book.

• https://arxiv.org

Arxiv is apart of Cornell University’s Library where you can find published papers online in almost every area. I use this website quite often to look at whether some of my many questions have been answered and to see what experiments and research is currently in process.

• “Unix for Mac”

This is the textbook I have been using to learn Unix and it has been increadibly useful. I am currently on chapter 6 which is Customize your Shell.

• “The Desktop Muon Detector” (https://arxiv.org/pdf/1606.01196.pdf )

This is the basic design I am using to make my muon detector next semester. I am hoping to only use this design as a guideline and to improve upon it.