In the realm of physics, “quantum” refers to the principles and phenomena associated with quantum mechanics, which is a branch of physics that describes the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales.
At its core, quantum mechanics deals with the properties of particles, such as electrons and photons, and their interactions. It departs from classical mechanics, which describes the behavior of macroscopic objects, by introducing the concept of quantization. Quantization means that certain properties, such as energy and angular momentum, can only take on discrete values called “quanta” or “quantum states.” These quantized properties are not continuous but rather come in distinct, indivisible units.
The principles of quantum mechanics include:
- Wave-particle duality: Particles such as electrons and photons can exhibit both particle-like and wave-like properties. They can behave as discrete particles with well-defined positions and momenta, as well as exhibit wave-like characteristics, such as interference and diffraction patterns.
- Superposition: Quantum systems can exist in multiple states simultaneously, known as superposition. This means that a particle can be in a combination of different states until it is measured or observed, at which point it collapses into a particular state.
- Uncertainty principle: The uncertainty principle, formulated by Werner Heisenberg, states that there is a fundamental limit to the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties, such as position and momentum, or energy and time, can be simultaneously known. This principle implies that there is inherent unpredictability and randomness at the quantum level.
- Quantum entanglement: Quantum entanglement refers to the phenomenon where two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle cannot be described independently of the others. This phenomenon, famously described by Albert Einstein as “spooky action at a distance,” has been experimentally verified and is a key aspect of quantum information and quantum computing.
Quantum mechanics provides a highly successful framework for understanding and predicting the behavior of particles at the microscopic level. It has applications in various fields, including electronics, optics, materials science, and quantum technologies. The development of quantum mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy and led to profound advancements in physics and technology.
As to why Quantum Mechanics doesn’t match up with General Relativity, it is related directly to the concept of Scale. Academia is stuck with exactly two Scales; a Human Scale and a Particle Scale and nothing more. It forgets that a Planet is also a Particle on some Scale. Anytime you “zoom out” to imagine the planets, or “zoom in” to imagine the Particles, you’ve changed Scale.
Imagine if Earth were to remain the same size, but you change Scale such that you would need an Electron Microscope to see Earth. Earth would appear to you as one Electron orbiting its Nucleus named “Sun” as part of an Oxygen Molecule with its eight orbiting Particles. Millions of Earth Years would go by as you blink and look into the eyepiece. This means time can only be a constant at the same Scale.