Quantum Physics vs. Classical Physics: Introducing the Basics with a Virtual Reality Game

Abstract

Unlike classical physics, quantum physics is harder to explain, as it involves very small scales and phenomena that are not visible to the naked eye. Understanding the differences between classical and quantum physics is difficult, especially for children, who cannot grasp the subtleties conveyed in complicated formulae.

We propose to achieve this in a playful and immersive manner, which is a more familiar and convenient way to introduce children to new concepts. For this we developed Save Schrödinger’s Cat, a puzzle game in virtual reality featuring a classical physics mode and a quantum physics mode. As virtual objects and phenomena behave differently in each mode, this mechanic encourages players to toggle between modes, in order to explore the differences between quantum and classical physics in an immersive, entertaining and challenging way. A preliminary evaluation showed that players could better identify various distinguishing features of either mode.

Appendices

Appendix A Evaluation Questionnaire

The following two pages were given to play-testers in the TU Delft VR Zone and Science Centre.

Appendix B Results

Two questions were left out, because of different reasons. The first was “Splitting beams into two with a beam splitter”, because the game logic contradicts the real world, so players that have experience in physics will check the box while players that do not will not check the box. The second that was left out was “Evil scientists stealing your cat”, because the majority of players considered it a joke and did not seriously answer the question.

Table 1. Questionnaire results about differences between quantum physics and classical physics, given to both play-testers and control group members.

Table 1 presents the raw data of filled-in questionnaires, including a computed average for the aggregate of the rows. Each row represents one valid questionnaire. Table 2 presents the results with regard to the questionnaire statements on the game itself.

Table 2. Scores for the statements on Save Schrödinger’s Cat