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Quanta

Quanta are the wave-particles at the root of every atomic structure. They are thought to be the most basic building blocks of all matter and energy. The study of quantum mechanics has largely replaced Newtonian mechanics and electromagnetism at atomic and subatomic levels of physics and chemistry. The different fields that draw from the study of quanta include condensed matter physics, atomic physics, molecular physics, particle physics, nuclear physics, computational chemistry, and quantum chemistry.

Quantum, in Latin, means "how much." A quantum is a discrete unit assigned physical qualities. They were first studied when the particle-wave theory was examined; it was found that waves could be studied in particle-like packets of energy. Quantum mechanics provides accurate, precise descriptions and explanations for processes that did not make sense under old physics systems. For instance, if electrons followed Newtonian physics, they'd crash into the nucleus. But under quantum mechanics, the electron is supposed to orbit the nucleus. This one interaction is the first object described by quantum mechanics.

Quantum mechanics relies on the three non-gravity forces identified in nature: the strong and weak nuclear forces, and electromagnetism.

Web Resources On Quanta

History of Quantum Theory
Introduction to Quantum Theory

Book Resources On Quanta

Quantum : A Guide for the Perplexed by Jim Al-Khalili
Q IS FOR QUANTUM: An Encyclopedia of Particle Physics by John Gribbin

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