Societal Implications and Applications
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
http://www.howstuffworks.com/mri3.htm
With abstract ideas such as electron placement, students often lose sight of the big picture applications. Magnetic resonance imaging is an essential medical diagnostic tool that is used to observe the soft tissues. This machine works by using the principles of electron spin. A strong magnetic field momentarily aligns the electrons in one of two directions. A second radio frequency aligns the electrons all in one direction. When this signal is removed, the electrons all return to their normal state. Through the use of a computer, these signals can be recorded and a corresponding image is created.
LASERS (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
http://www.howstuffworks.com/laser.htm
The basis of understanding Schrodinger’s wave equation requires an understanding of how light works. Lasers illustrate the concept that a single wavelength of the light results in one colour. Also this can be illustrated by showing countless videos, or with an actual laser pointer. Aside from being fun to play with, they have countless applications from medicine in eye surgery, to law enforcement and fingerprinting. The difference in power of various lasers can be illustrated by discussing how some are harmless and others can cut through steel.
Quantum Computing
http://www.fields.utoronto.ca/programs/scientific/11-12/quantuminfo/
This is a concept that is at the forefront of technological innovation. Whereas traditional computers are based on the transistor, this is an entirely different way to design computers. Using the quantum properties of electrons, future computers can be exponentially more powerful than the computers that are used today. In addition, world-leading research is being done in Waterloo at the Institute for Quantum Computing.
Bose-Einstein Condensate (BEC)
A state of matter that was first predicted in the 1920s, wasn’t proven until the 1990s. This is a state of matter in which a gas is cooled to temperatures that are very near absolute zero. At this point, the atoms are at the lowest possible quantum state, and multiple phenomena are observed. One of which is slowing the speed of light as it passes through the condensate. This illustrates how there are still many unanswered questions in science.