Category: Quantum Physics
Quantum physics, also known as quantum mechanics, is a branch of physics that deals with phenomena on a very small scale, such as molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles like electrons, protons, and photons. It is fundamentally different from classical physics, in that it introduces the concept of wave-particle duality, where particles can exhibit properties of both particles and waves. A key term in quantum mechanics is the “quantum state”, which is the state of a system described by a wavefunction. This wavefunction can evolve over time, as described by the Schrödinger equation. The wavefunction’s absolute square gives a probability distribution for the outcomes of measurements on the system, which introduces inherent uncertainty, a concept encapsulated by Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle. Another important concept is “quantum superposition”, where a system can exist in multiple states at once until it is observed or measured. “Quantum entanglement” describes the phenomenon where particles become interconnected and the state of one instantly influences the other, regardless of distance. Quantum mechanics forms the basis for fields like quantum chemistry, quantum computing, and quantum cryptography.