quantum theory
Packets of energy
Quantum theory is the branch of physics describing matter and energy at atomic and subatomic scales, where particles behave in ways that defy everyday intuition—existing in multiple states simultaneously until observed, or affecting each other instantaneously across distances.
The theory underlies modern electronics, chemistry, and our understanding of the universe's fundamental structure.
Quantum theory predicts phenomena that classical physics cannot explain.
Coexisting in multiple states
- entanglementState of being intertwined
- wavefunctionQuantum state's mathematical representation
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
- dualityTwofold nature
coherence · decoherence · tunneling · interference · measurement · collapse · probability · amplitude
Quantum theory's founder
- HeisenbergGerman quantum theorist
- SchrödingerWave equation namesake
- BohrDanish nuclear science surname
- DiracTheoretical physicist, antimatter predictor
Born · Fermi · Einstein · Feynman · Copenhagen · matrices · equation · constant
superposition
Coexisting in multiple states
- entanglementState of being intertwined
- wavefunctionQuantum state's mathematical representation
- uncertaintyState of being unsure
duality · coherence · decoherence · tunneling · interference · measurement · collapse · probability · amplitude · observables
Planck
Quantum theory's founder
- HeisenbergGerman quantum theorist
- SchrödingerWave equation namesake
- BohrDanish nuclear science surname
Dirac · Born · Fermi · Einstein · Feynman · Copenhagen · matrices · equation · constant · blackbody
photon
Electromagnetic radiation unit
- electronNegative subatomic particle
- quarkFundamental matter particle
- bosonInteger-spin subatomic particle
fermion · positron · neutrino · gluon · muon · hadron · lepton · antiparticle
- sciencebiology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology
- sciencesbiology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology
- discoveriesbreakthrough, scientific discovery, finding, uncovering, detection
- Science Historyscientific revolution, natural philosophy, scientific method, scientific journals, Royal Society
- breakthroughsIndustrial Revolution, scientific revolution, digital revolution, DNA discovery, printing press
- German ScienceAlbert Einstein, Max Planck, Carl Gauss, Einstein, Heisenberg
quantum theoryclassical mechanics
Laws governing macroscopic motion
classical physics · Newtonian mechanics · Newtonian physics · general relativity
theory, quantum, theoretical, theorize, theorist, theorizing, quantifiable, theorists, theorized