How can oil and a speaker help us understand quantum mechanics? An episode of the Veritasium playlist demonstrates the movement of silicone oil droplets on a speaker. The wave motion of the particles seems to mimic the behavior and patterns in pilot wave theory.

Concepts

quantum mechanics, waves

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Replicate the experiment in the video for pupils to explore: Pilot Waves Experiment
• Use snapshots from the video to enhance lesson presentations

Classroom Considerations

• Expects pupils to have prior knowledge of basic principles of quantum mechanics

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Discusses the incompleteness of theories and the need for additional information
• Includes many visuals to support concepts

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.9-10.7 RST.11-12.7