From Averages to Operators: Understanding Expectation Values in Quantum Mechanics
Go beyond plugging in formulas — learn how quantum math connects back to classical physics.
Most of us meet expectation values in quantum mechanics with one reaction: memorize the formulas, plug in the wavefunction, move on. But what if you could actually understand what those formulas mean — and how they connect quantum theory back to the classical world you first learned in physics?
In my new short video, “Beyond Momentum: Expectation Values of Classical Quantities in QM | Explained,” we go beyond just the usual momentum operator and explore how to calculate expectation values of position, kinetic energy, and more — all through the lens of wavefunctions and operators.
This video is perfect if you:
Are currently taking a quantum mechanics course and feel like you’re just "doing the math" without knowing why it works.
Want to bridge your intuition between classical and quantum physics.
Like short, focused videos that actually explain concepts without fluff.
🔍 What You’ll Learn in 2 Minutes:
How to compute ⟨x⟩, ⟨p⟩, and ⟨p²⟩ (and why you should care)
Why kinetic energy in QM is written as ⟨p²⟩ / 2m
How expectation values reflect average classical behavior
The deeper reason behind the math — not just the procedure
Whether you're a student, a physics enthusiast, or someone who just wants to fill in the gaps left by rushed lectures, this video is designed to make these concepts click.
🧠 No jargon overload. No assumptions. Just a clean, visual, and intuitive explanation of how classical and quantum worlds meet through expectation values.
🎥 Watch it now:
👍 If you find it helpful, like the video, share it with a friend, and subscribe to the channel to support more content like this!
Let’s make quantum physics a little less mysterious — one expectation value at a time.