quantum physics... what is it? how is it differ from physics?

Answer 1

Without going into the specific notions that quantum mechanics deal with, i shall discuss how quantum mechanics is a separate and alternative framework to explain physical phenomena. Back in the late 1800s, some physicists (many of which were at the Solvay Conference of 1927) discovered that classical mechanics (meaning the usual framework comprising newtonian laws of motions, work energy theorem) fails to explain phenomena at the atomic level. In fact, these laws break down in situations where very small particles, or very high speeds are involved. A prime example would be the photoelectric effect, which is the taught in most quantum courses as an introductory guide-in. Einstein wrote a paper which introduced groundbreaking proposition of why the photoelectric effect does not behave in the manner that classical physics would predict. Read up on the exact contradictions, such as the time lag problem, threshold delay etc. I shall not go into that. This kinda started a revolution which got physicist to sit up and realize the dual nature of light (both as a wave: light rays; and a particle:photons). This allows us to use particle physics theories, such as momentum conservation to predict light behavior. Later milestones in quantum physics are de Broglie's proposition of matter waves, in which he surmises that since light that we always thought to be a wave can also be a particle, then every particle can also be a wave, albeit with a really tiny wavelength. I believe that atomic structure and misc theories should be included to facilitate any attempt to comprehend quantum physics thoroughly, though in some places they are taught in different courses. Thus is the basics of quantum physics, using alternative frameworks to explain things that are really small, or really fast.

Answer 2

The normal laws of physics do not apply in the realm of quantum physics.
For example, a single quantum particle can exist in two places at the exact moment in time, or particles can completely disappear and reappear. When they disappear, they do not exist, even though the normal laws of physics say that should be impossible.
Energy or objects can become waves of energy or particles depending on the thoughts of the observer.
If the observer conducting an experiment wanted the results of that experiment to appear as a particle, it was a particle. If the observer wanted the results to appear as a wave of energy, it was a wave. Human thought can change events and circumstances at the quantum level.
Just when scientist think they have figured out the rules of quantum physics, the rules change on their own.
All these things have been proven by science but it is still shaky ground.

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Answer 3

Quantum physics is a branch of physics that deals with the strange behavior of very small things. The word "quantum" is used because things tend to be quantized on this scale. That is, certain things can't have just any value. Only certain quantities are allowed. For example, the energy of an electron orbiting the nucleus of an atom can only have certain values. The values in-between are prohibited.

Additionally, quantum mechanics deals with counter-intuitive phenomena like particles suddenly appearing on the other side of barriers that classical physics says should be impossible to get through.

Answer 4

Quantum physics is a type of physics.

Probably we can contrast it with Newtonian physics. Newtons laws apply to everything from the planet jupiter to a billiard ball (and smaller). They are the laws of the things we can easily see and percieve and go along with how our brains see the universe.

But when you get into things that are very small these rules stop applying.

For example, light can act like a particle and follow Newtons laws....eg mirrors are particles of light bouncing off the mirror, like a tennis ball off a wall.

But, light can also act like a wave. So much so that one particle of light can be in 2 places at once.

It gets much weirder than that. The more you know about light as a particle the less you know about it as a wave, the more you know about it as a wave, the less you know about it as a particle.

Quantum physics factors in this unpredictability. In the classical model of the atom, the atom was like a mini solar system. This model works to some extent....but...not in all cases. In fact, it was hard to know where an electron in an atom was by calculation, there was too much uncertainty. In fact, according to quantum physics the electron is everywhere, but if you observe it then it goes to one fixed point.

In quantum physics particles don't act according to fixed rules, but according to random probabilities.

Hence Einstein said "God doesn't play dice with the universe"
the reply was "Einstein, stop telling God what to do".

The quantum refers to a fixed amounts of energy that are required to make an electron move from one state to another. It is not a good name for the branch of physics, but this was one of the first areas in explored.

Answer 5

classic physics has a mechanistic worldwide view. The universe is a gadget that follows predictable regulations. understand the regulations and you may administration nature. Quantum Physics arose from the learn of subatomic debris (quanta). they got here upon that at subtler stages, the universe isn't a gadget. Its additionally no longer actual. Its all skill (E=mc2). they got here upon the wave residences of "debris" and this bring about the uncertainty concept - you are able to are looking forward to with in straightforward terms a undeniable point of predictability what state or orbit a particle will extremely be in. Its extra a possibility than a particular. Even the waves grew to become out to be digital fluctuations, dropping out and in of life. The deeper they bypass, the wilder it receives. Quantum non-locality as an occasion. (on the spot outcomes at a distance) Or a particle being in extra effective than one place on a similar time. (or distinctive situations interior a similar area?) The familiar double slit test got here across that the attention of the observer is what collapses the possibility (wave) right into a specificity (particle). extra effective experiments have illustrated it somewhat is regardless of time. the attention collapses the outcomes after the reality. This of direction has bring about lots of discussion appropriate to the actual nature of certainty. Mechanistic physics shows (or has come from) a worldwide view that actually sees us as in conflict with the worldwide. Quantum Physics leads to a worldwide view of countless possibility and determination. The ramifications are progressively creeping up by Chemistry and Biology and into the final inhabitants. Thats what makes it so profound.

Answer 6

Quantum physics is a specialized field of physics dealing with the relatoinships and workings of our universe at the molecular and subatomic level.