Thanks to @Elizabeth Calvert for this great blog piece!
This year, World Quantum Day on April 14 is particularly significant as we also celebrate the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology (IYQ), marking a century since the development of quantum mechanics. We marked this in a previous blog, where we explored the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, its timeline, and natural phenomena that exhibit quantum behaviour. In this blog, let us look at the practical applications.
But, why 14 April?
Ever wondered why World Quantum Day is celebrated on this particular date?
The clue lies in the number 4.14 which is a familiar figure for physicists. This date, month 4, day 14 symbolises the fundamental threshold between classical and quantum physics. Planck’s constant, the cornerstone of quantum theory, has a value ≈ 4.14 × 10⁻¹⁵ eVs. (You may also recognise Planck’s constant in SI units as 6.63 × 10⁻³⁴ Js.)
Why Planck’s Constant?
Planck’s constant represents a turning point in our understanding of the physical world. At the turn of the 20th century, physicists believed they had fully understood the nature of light, until Max Planck, when tasked with improving the efficiency of light bulbs, made a revolutionary proposal.
He experimented to see the amount of energy emitted at each colour (wavelength) of light. Classical physics predicted that a heated object would emit infinite energy at ultraviolet frequencies, a paradox known as the ultraviolet catastrophe. Planck’s solution was radical, energy could only be emitted in discrete packets, or quanta.
This idea laid the groundwork for quantum mechanics as we know it, and he made a more efficient light bulb.
Supporting World Quantum Day in Schools
World Quantum Day is a great opportunity to introduce quantum science and its technological applications. It offers an ideal opportunity to engage young people in an exciting field and one of the most exciting frontiers in science and computing.
In the classroom
· You can inspire students through the Quantum Ambassador programme
· Explore quantum careers using resources and posters designed for secondary classrooms
· Find out more with the Everyday Guide to Quantum Science
Applications of Quantum Science and Technology
Quantum technologies are already shaping major industries, from health to defence and beyond.
Computing: Quantum computers (from IBM, Google, etc.) use qubits instead of classical bits, allowing massive parallel processing. They are useful for modelling molecules, solving cryptographic problems, and performing complex optimisations.
Communication: Quantum cryptography, such as Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), enables communication that is secure against eavesdropping.
Sensing & Imaging: Quantum sensors offer ultra-precise measurements, useful in medicine, navigation, and climate monitoring.
Timekeeping & Navigation: Quantum clocks are among the most accurate in the world, revolutionising GPS technology and global synchronisation.
Relevance to the GCSE Curriculum
In GCSE Physics (AQA 8463)
Quantum principles can support or extend understanding in the following areas:
- Atomic structure (4.4): Development of atomic models, isotopes, ionising radiation—rooted in quantum behaviour.
- Particle model of matter (4.3): While mainly classical, this supports foundational concepts in thermal and kinetic theory.
- Waves and electromagnetic spectrum (4.6): Photon energy and quantum interactions explain phenomena like absorption and emission.
- Space physics (4.8): Advances in quantum sensors are transforming planetary and satellite research.
Curricular links:
- Discuss the evolution of models (WS 1.1), ethical considerations of emerging technologies (WS 1.3–1.4), and limitations of scientific knowledge.
- Quantum ideas can also enrich required practicals by exploring uncertainty, measurement precision, or energy quantisation.
CPD from STEM Learning.
SKPT Atomic Physics
A Level Physics CPD
In GCSE Computer Science (OCR J277)
Quantum computing introduces timely crossovers with the digital curriculum:
- 1.1 Systems architecture: Introduce qubits and the quantum CPU as enrichment or comparison.
- 1.4 Network security: Explore how quantum technologies are reshaping cryptography.
- 2.1 Algorithms and programming: Use examples like Shor’s algorithm or Grover’s search to spark curiosity.
Curricular links:
- Enrich lessons with real-world examples of encryption, algorithm efficiency, and future digital infrastructures.
- Discuss how quantum hardware could work alongside classical systems in future computing models.
Resources for the Classroom
For Teachers and Students:
· Careers in Quantum
· Poster on the history of quantum and quantum technologies.
For Students:
Just for fun:
Quantum science is not just the future, it’s the present. STEM Education is more important than ever with the rapid pace of change in technologies, such as quantum and AI. World Quantum Day is the opportunity to show students the invisible world shaping the technologies around them. Embedding quantum concepts into GCSE learning encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and real-world connections that can excite far beyond the classroom. World Quantum Day is a perfect launchpad to inspire the next generation of physicists, engineers, and computer scientists.