Quantum physics from waves: an analogy-based approach for high school

Abstract

In this paper we present a proposal for teaching basic aspects ofquantum mechanics in high school. Our proposal is based on a waveapproach that makes use of the analogies between wave phenomena atmacroscopic scales and phenomena at atomic or subatomic scales.Although the classical and the quantum model are completelydifferent, there is a common underlying wave mathematical layer.This allows to address, via analogies, quantum aspects that are notaccessible to direct experience . The quantization of energy levels, thequantum interference and the uncertainty relations are examples ofquantum aspects having an analog concept in classical physics wavephenomena. In our approach we break the wave-particle "duality",which is totally counterintuitive. Instead we enhance the underlyingwave mathematical structure as a path to reach and explain emergingfeatures of particles and quantum systems in general.