Simple Quantum Physics

Influenced by my father Chunying, who majored in Engineering and Management, MBA, I have been deeply intrigued by innovations and STEM fields since the early age of five. From a young age, he introduced me to complex scientific concepts, such as black holes, wormholes, and quantum mechanics. These abstract ideas sparked an enduring curiosity in me, particularly in astrophysics and quantum physics. I find it unfortunate, however, that opportunities for young scholars to explore these advanced fields during adolescence are often limited.

My fascination with quantum mechanics has only deepened over time, especially with the study of subatomic particles like bosons and fermions. These particles, which constitute the fundamental building blocks of the universe, have captured my imagination. The nuanced and intricate nature of bosons (such as gauge bosons) and fermions (like quarks) demonstrates the profound complexity of the quantum world. I never anticipated that I would be so captivated by theoretical constructs of this nature, yet they have ignited a passion in me to further investigate these phenomena.

In my IGCSE physics studies, I encountered radioactive beta decay, a process that involves electrons, protons, and neutrons. However, quantum physics reveals a deeper layer of understanding: in beta decay (both beta-plus and beta-minus), the process is mediated by the W and Z bosons. These short-lived gauge bosons are responsible for converting particles like electrons and positrons into neutrinos, underscoring the transient nature of these subatomic interactions. My introduction to quantum mechanics has expanded my perspective, unveiling a world composed of vast arrays of tiny, fundamental units. This revelation has fueled my desire to continue studying this field at the college level and beyond.

Moreover, I am fascinated by the behavior of fermions, particularly in terms of their electromagnetic charges. For instance, up, charm, and top quarks carry a +2/3 charge, while down, strange, and bottom quarks carry a -1/3 charge. This explains why neutrons, composed of two down quarks and one up quark, are electrically neutral, while protons, with two up quarks and one down quark, carry a +1 charge. Additionally, I have learned that gluons, a type of boson, are responsible for binding quarks together by facilitating the exchange of "color charge" through the strong nuclear force. This dynamic interplay between quarks, mediated by gluons, reveals the beauty and complexity of quantum chromodynamics, a field I am eager to explore in more depth.

Through these discoveries, I have come to appreciate the profound intricacies of the quantum world, which has not only expanded my intellectual horizons but also solidified my passion for further inquiry into the mysteries of the universe.