Felt waves

This conceptual note introduces a tactile and visual metaphor for quantum superposition and measurement, using carved waveforms in wooden planks. By sliding a finger across composite wave shapes—such as sine, triangle or square waves—one can physically feel the result of multiple interfering signals. The metaphor captures the essence of quantum measurement: a single, tangible outcome shaped by an underlying superposition. Designed for educators, science communicators, artists and designers, this idea offers a sensory-accessible explanation of quantum logic. It is freely available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Use it, adapt it, cite it—with credit to the original author. Keywords: quantum physics, superposition, metaphor, science communication, embodiment, education, waveforms, interference, measurement, quantum computing, STEM education

Publication Details

Journal
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Published
2025-03-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15098725
Primary Topic
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Felt waves

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
article

Felt waves

article en

Abstract

This conceptual note introduces a tactile and visual metaphor for quantum superposition and measurement, using carved waveforms in wooden planks. By sliding a finger across composite wave shapes—such as sine, triangle or square waves—one can physically feel the result of multiple interfering signals. The metaphor captures the essence of quantum measurement: a single, tangible outcome shaped by an underlying superposition. Designed for educators, science communicators, artists and designers, this idea offers a sensory-accessible explanation of quantum logic. It is freely available under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. Use it, adapt it, cite it—with credit to the original author. Keywords: quantum physics, superposition, metaphor, science communication, embodiment, education, waveforms, interference, measurement, quantum computing, STEM education

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)
Quality Education
Openalex Percentile: Top 65%
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
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