quantum mechanics
Wave-particle duality science
Quantum mechanics is the branch of physics describing matter and energy at atomic and subatomic scales, where particles behave as both waves and particles, outcomes are probabilistic rather than deterministic, and observation affects what is observed.
The theory underpins modern electronics, chemistry, and computing.
Loosely, people invoke quantum mechanics to explain anything counterintuitive or mysteriously interconnected: It's quantum mechanics—don't try to understand it.
Quantum state's mathematical representation
- Schrödinger equationGoverns quantum state evolution
- HeisenbergGerman quantum theorist
- PlanckQuantum theory's founder
- BohrDanish nuclear science surname
Dirac · operators · observables · eigenvalues · commutators · measurement problem · Copenhagen interpretation · postulates
Logical internal consistency
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- collapseSudden structural failure
- phaseDistinct period in sequence
- destructive interferenceWaves combining to diminish amplitude
Schrödinger's cat · diffraction · beam splitter · interferometer
Heisenberg uncertainty principle
Fundamental quantum measurement limit
- indeterminacyLack of fixed outcome
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- observer effectWatching something changes it
- probabilisticBased on likelihood calculations
complementarity · tunneling · virtual particles · ground state · standard deviation
Negative subatomic particle
Quantum information unit
- laserConcentrated light device
- semiconductorPartial electrical conductor
- transistorSemiconductor signal switch
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
Gradations of physical vitality
- discreteIndividually separate, unconnected
- Planck's constantQuantum action unit
- spectral linesDiscrete wavelength emission patterns
- selection rulesStandards determining inclusion
wavefunction
Quantum state's mathematical representation
- Schrödinger equationGoverns quantum state evolution
- HeisenbergGerman quantum theorist
- PlanckQuantum theory's founder
Bohr · Dirac · operators · observables · eigenvalues · commutators · measurement problem · Copenhagen interpretation · postulates · formalism
coherence
Logical internal consistency
- interferenceUnwelcome involvement in affairs
- collapseSudden structural failure
- phaseDistinct period in sequence
destructive interference · Schrödinger's cat · diffraction · beam splitter · interferometer
Heisenberg uncertainty principle
Fundamental quantum measurement limit
- indeterminacyLack of fixed outcome
- measurementDetermining size or amount
- observer effectWatching something changes it
probabilistic · complementarity · tunneling · virtual particles · ground state · standard deviation
electron
Negative subatomic particle
nucleus · spin · atomic orbital · hybridization · electron cloud
qubit
Quantum information unit
- laserConcentrated light device
- semiconductorPartial electrical conductor
- transistorSemiconductor signal switch
MRI · electron microscope · superconductivity · superfluidity
nonlocality
Correlations without spatial contact
- decoherenceLoss of quantum coherence
energy levels
Gradations of physical vitality
- discreteIndividually separate, unconnected
- Planck's constantQuantum action unit
- spectral linesDiscrete wavelength emission patterns
- physicsphysics, momentum, atom, acceleration, gravity
- sciencesbiology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology
- academic fieldsmathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, history
- disciplinesbiology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, psychology
- Physical Sciencesphysics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, meteorology
- chemistryatom, atoms, organic chemistry, molecule, chemistry
quantum mechanicsclassical mechanics
Laws governing macroscopic motion
classical physics · Newtonian mechanics · Newtonian physics · general relativity · thermodynamics
quantity, mechanical, mechanism, mechanics, quantum, quantify, mechanisms, quantitative, mechanistic