What is quantum mechanics?
Q: What is quantum mechanics?
A: Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that explains how the universe works at a scale smaller than atoms. It is also known as quantum physics or quantum theory.
Q: What does the term "quantum" mean?
A: The term "quantum" comes from Latin and means "how much". A quantum of energy is the least amount possible (or the least extra amount), and quantum mechanics describes how that energy moves or interacts.
Q: What are subatomic particles?
A: Subatomic particles are particles that make up atoms, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons. They are even smaller than atoms.
Q: How does quantum mechanics describe how these particles work?
A: Quantum mechanics provides mathematical rules to study subatomic particles and electromagnetic waves in order to understand their behavior and interactions with each other.
Q: What is wave-particle duality?
A: Wave-particle duality refers to the fact that both particles and waves can behave like one another - they are not two distinct entities, but rather something like both combined into one phenomenon.
Q: How can modern physics be described using quantum mechanics?
A: Modern physics and chemistry can be explained by applying the mathematical rules of quantum mechanics to them.
