what is quantum mechanics?

Answer 1

quantum mechanics is a fundamental branch of theoretical physics that replaces classical mechanics and classical electromagnetism at the atomic and subatomic levels. It is the underlying mathematical framework of many fields of physics and chemistry, including condensed matter physics, atomic physics, molecular physics, computational chemistry, quantum chemistry, particle physics, and nuclear physics. Along with general relativity, quantum mechanics is one of the pillars of modern physic


The term quantum (Latin, "how much") refers to discrete units that the theory assigns to certain physical quantities, such as the energy of an atom at rest (see Figure 1, at right). The discovery that waves could be measured in particle-like small packets of energy called quanta led to the branch of physics that deals with atomic and subatomic systems which we today call Quantum Mechanics. The foundations of quantum mechanics were established during the first half of the twentieth century by Werner Heisenberg, Max Planck, Louis de Broglie, Niels Bohr, Erwin Schrödinger, Max Born, John von Neumann, Paul Dirac, Albert Einstein, Wolfgang Pauli and others. Some fundamental aspects of the theory are still actively studied.

Quantum mechanics is a more fundamental theory than Newtonian mechanics and classical electromagnetism, in the sense that it provides accurate and precise descriptions for many phenomena that these "classical" theories simply cannot explain on the atomic and subatomic level. It is necessary to use quantum mechanics to understand the behavior of systems at atomic length scales and smaller. For example, if Newtonian mechanics governed the workings of an atom, electrons would rapidly travel towards and collide with the nucleus. However, in the natural world the electron normally remains in a stable orbit around a nucleus — seemingly defying classical electromagnetism.

Quantum mechanics was initially developed to explain the atom, especially the spectra of light emitted by different atomic species. The quantum theory of the atom developed as an explanation for the electron's staying in its orbital, which could not be explained by Newton's laws of motion and by classical electromagnetism.
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Answer 2

Quantum Mechanics, better termed as Quantum Physics is a subject of physics that deals with the phenomena at the sub-atomic level. Many things we observe and study matter and energy at larger dimensions > 10^-6 m and above are not quite found to be applicable in the physics of the microscopic world < 10^-9 m, Quantum models are the best tools to study all physical processes in such small ranges.

The birth of quantum physics took place when Max Planck found that the electromagnetic energy is not a continuously changing quantity, but goes up or down in a discrete quantum of energy. The packet of energy (or qunata) is called a photon. The idea of quantization of orbital space and momenta in the subatomic level then served better to explain well, the observed atomic phenomena. These are the foundations of quantum physics.

A decent exposure to general physics and atomic physics are essential to learn quantum physics. There are many introductory books on quantum physics for students from high school level to University Graduate level.

Answer 3

Hi Nuff; I personally feel, with absolutely no scientific proof, that each and every decision we make every day presents an opportunity for an alternate ( or parallel universe). I subscribe to the Robert A. Heinlein theory, Probably before your time but, a great fiction writer. Try "The Number Of The Beast" or "Stranger In A Strange Land"Good light fun reads. But time is a serious subject, and one I'm afraid I have very fixed notions upon. As I believe God created it,and holds it until, as you might say the time is right, and man must go forward only, living each moment to the fullest, as there is no going back. "The past is history, the future a mystery, we can only live in the now." But to punch a hole into an alternate universe, will probably happen one day, what happens next? Well that will be a whole different universe again. LOL Have fun with this one! Bob

Answer 4

the QM is one of the few fundamental physical theories, the other being Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics and Relativity(Special and General)

the QM's object of study is the micro world, the world of very small: molecules,atoms,nucleus, and all elementary particles.

Answer 5

quantum mechanics is the study of smaller particles,i mean very very very small particle

Answer 6

A theory that explains the behavior of elementary particles, atoms, and energy in terms of probabilities.

Answer 7

http://phys.educ.ksu.edu/
http://www.chemistry.ohio-state.edu/betha/qm/
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/qm/
http://www.upscale.utoronto.ca/GeneralInterest/QM.html