From Floors to Electrons: Using a Building Analogy and Cartooning to Teach Quantum Numbers
Physics Education
2026-05-12 v1
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.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2605.08361,
title = {From Floors to Electrons: Using a Building Analogy and Cartooning to Teach Quantum Numbers},
author = {James Day and Simone Williamson},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2605.08361},
year = {2026}
}
Comments
4 pages, anicillary material