<p>I am taking the last sequence of lower-division physics. I was happy until studying thermodynamics, optics, and relativity, but quantum physics is just giving me headache. the text book simply omits the mathematical background and derivation and just list bunch of weird equations and start explaining from that point on. Now I have 2 weeks to study the whole chapters on quantum physics and I dont think I will have time or interest to study them all. </p>
<p>Is quantum physics important for my major, aerospace engineering? I dont think knowing the electron configuration of a sodium atom will help me understand how a plane works. why am i required to study this subject?</p>
<p>Quantum mechanics is not that useful in most of engineering, but thermo certainly is, which is probably why the physics class you’re taking is required.</p>
<p>For Aerospace I’m pretty sure you need thermodynamics.</p>
<p>Classical (engineering) thermodynamics and thermal physics are not the same thing. You will not have to use quantum mechanics for aerospace engineering. You will use classical mechanics and if you go into graduate school maybe more modern mechanics such as Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.</p>
<p>While an engineer would probably not have to know the details of it, Quantum Mechanical principles do provide the basis of the Physics that is most important to the operation of semi-conductor devices.</p>
<p>It is not directly going to be particularly important to your future career. (assuming you do not start doing undergrad research and decide to become a grad student. However, being able to understand the fundamentals of nature is important to any engineer and you will develop a special skill of problem solving through the physics sequence. Also, trust me, you do not want dive too far into quantum lol just learn the basics and move on</p>
<p>Thank you for the replies. </p>
<p>I figured that I cannot fully understand quantum physics without advanced math, which I lack now. I found it is easier to just believe and accept what the book says and move on. rofl.</p>
<p>“Nobody understands quantum mechanics.”-Richard Feynman</p>
<p>I can see quantum physics come into use in optics and nano-scale device, both of which fall under the EE umbrella. For aerospace engineering, like everybody else is saying, quantum physics is not really applied that much, if at all.</p>
<p>My impression is that most successful engineers are very intuitive and logical thinkers since that is what it takes to solve most engineering problems. In Classical Mechanics the math can often be very difficult but qualitatively what you expect to happen is usually what does happen. On the other hand, the methods of Quantum Physics are often counter-intuitive and frequently give results that appear to defy logic, even if they do agree with observation. As an undergraduate Astronomy major I had to take an upper division Physics course in Quantum Mechanics and did not start to really get it untill I was able to accept the fact that this is how nature behaves on the microscopic level and it represents reality at this level where classical mechanics, however logical it is in the macroscopic world, does not represent reality in the realm of Quantum Physics.</p>
<p>Friend you know engineering all about material science (analysis, design, manufacturing). Its used in analysis and usage of heat & mechanical power. quantum physics is branch of physics which is related to micro-world like Atom, electron, proton, neutron, quarks. It is study the behavior of elementary particles. In college many students have written [dissertation</a> on quantum physics](<a href=“http://essayscouncil.com%22%5Ddissertation”>http://essayscouncil.com) and its career. If you can please read that dissertation. I am sure you will be got more idea about this. All the best.</p>
<p>Passwordis123: Quantum Physics is theoretical physics which tries to tie in Einstein’s
Theory of General Relativity with Quantum Theory in explaining electrodynamics,
magnetism, strong forces in atoms and weak forces of radiation. Problem is it cannot also
relate to force of gravity as a unifying force. String Theory now being introduced as
a Unified Theory combining the 4 categories of forces. In your case is waste of time
and jeopardizes your GPA - foolish to take it - you were misguided by counselor?</p>