Quantum MechanicsQuantum mechanics is the branch of theoretical physics that describes the activity of particles and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels, and supersedes classical mechanics at that level. It is the foundation of condensed matter physics, atomic physics, molecular physics, computational chemistry, quantum chemistry, particle physics, and nuclear physics. Quantum mechanics is a companion branch of physics to general relativity.
Quantum refers to the quanta, discrete units on the atomic level that have certain physical qualities. Both particles and waves can be measured in quanta; according to quantum mechanics, there may actually be little difference at that level between a particle and a wave. The study of quantum mechanics explains why classical mechanics does not work on a quantum level – for instance, why the electron does not simply smash into the nucleus of an atom, as one would expect according to electromagnetism.
Quanta are described by a specific set of physical qualities – the spin, speed, vector, etc. In a quantum system, each quanta is created as an abstract mathematical concept, allowing scientists to calculate probabilities for it. Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle describes why we cannot precisely locate any given particle, but only its probabilities.
As quantum mechanics is further studied, scientists find more and more unexpected strangeness on that level of reality, from the brane theory to the idea that there may be as many as seventeen dimensions and alternate realities.
Web Resources On Quantum Mechanics
Intro to Quantum Mechanics
SEP: Quantum Mechanics
Book Resources On Quantum MechanicsThe Many-Worlds Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics by DeWitt & Graham
Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths
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