From Floors to Electrons: Using a Building Analogy and Cartooning to Teach Quantum Numbers

Abstract

Aspects of quantum physics are no longer confined to the upper years of a physics degree. Concepts like superposition or entanglement that were once reserved for second- or third-year undergraduate courses now deserve attention earlier in a student's curriculum. Technology is changing at a pace that requires engaged citizens to understand some of the quantum basics if they are to make sense of the world. This paper offers a cartoon building analogy that teachers can use to introduce quantum numbers to their students.