Potentially, Everything is Light Fact
Nikola Tesla was said to have said “everything is light.” That is potentially correct. In theory, the universe could be explained by electromagnetic energy.
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics (AKA quantum physics or quantum theory) is a branch of physics concerning atomic and sub-atomic particles. Quantum mechanics gets it’s name from the fact that at a very small level things quantize to multiples of the Planck constant. The general concept behind quantum mechanics is represented by the standard model of particle physics (easier than it sounds) and rests upon classical physics and related equations (Maxwell, Einstein, Planck, Heinsberg, and many more). The concepts are heady, but the gist isn’t, it just takes a little spacetime and mass-energy.
See our standard model of particle physics simple explainer for a simple overview.
Factoids tagged with "Quantum Mechanics"
The Speed of Light is Constant (in a Perfect Vacuum) Fact
In theory, the speed of light, in a perfect vacuum, measured from an inertial frame, is constant with an exact value of 299,792,458 m/s.
The More Instances Considered, The More Theoretical and Actual Results Converge Fact
The law of large numbers says, the more instances of a probable event that are considered, the more the theoretical and actual results converge.
All Elementary Particles Exhibit Wave-Particle Duality Fact
All elementary particles exhibit wave-particle duality, acting as both a particle and a wave.
Visible Light is Electromagnetic Radiation Fact
Visible light is a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum visible to the human eye (wavelengths of about 390 to 700 nm).
At Its Core, Chemistry is Physics Fact
On a fundamental level, chemistry can be explained by physics. The atoms that make up the periodic table elements are themselves made of quantum particles.
Nature Abhors a Vacuum Fact
Aristotle once postulated “horror vacui” (Nature Abhors a Vacuum). It turns out nature really can’t stand a perfect vacuum.
The Bohr Model is the Most Accurate Model of an Atom Myth
The Bohr model of the atom (1913), the one that looks like a solar system, has been replaced by the more accurate Quantum Model of the atom since 1927.
Two Identical Things Can’t Occupy the Same Space Fact
The Pauli Exclusion Principle says, two identical fermions (matter particles) can’t occupy the same quantum state. In simple terms, two identical things can’t occupy the same space.
Information Can Escape from a Black Hole Myth
The Black Hole Information Paradox suggests information can’t escape a black hole intact. While new theories show information may be able to escape, it hasn’t been proven as of 2016.
If a Tree Falls in a Forest and No One Can Hear it, it Makes a Sound Fact
According to physics, if a tree falls and no one is around to hear it, it still makes a sound. Sound is a mechanical wave of pressure and displacement through a medium such as air or water. We don’t have to perceive a sound to know the laws of physics are in play.
Light is Both a Particle and a Wave Fact
Light is a particle (a photon), that acts like a wave (“both a particle and a wave”), which can be measured as an excited quantized state of the electromagnetic field.
A Planck Unit Represents the Smallest Measurable Unit Fact
Planck units, based on the reduced Planck constant (ℏ) and Planck constant (h), represent the smallest measurable units in the physical universe.
The Standard Model Shows How Elementary Particles Interact Fact
The standard model of particle physics shows how the elementary particles interact via the four forces to create the physical universe.
There are Four Fundamental Forces Fact
There are four fundamental forces (interactions) in the universe: gravitational, electromagnetic, strong nuclear, and weak nuclear.
Nothing Can Travel Faster Than the Speed of Light Fact
No “thing” (including particles) can travel faster than light speed, but some “non-things” can. In both ways “nothing travels faster than the speed of light”.
E=mc^2 (Mass and Energy are Equivalent) Fact
Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence equation (E=mc2) shows that mass and energy are equivalent (but not “exactly the same”) properties of a physical system.
Quantum Computers Aren’t Limited to Binary Fact
Quantum computers, unlike classic computers, aren’t limited to binary bits (which are always 0 or 1), they use qubits (which can be 0 and 1 at the same time).
Quantization is to Restrict Something to a Set of Values Fact
To quantize is to restrict something to a set of values. In digital music notes can be quantized to beats, in physics energy is quantized energy states.
Observing a Phenomenon Affects Its Outcome Fact
Observing a phenomenon can affect its outcome (observer effect). In science, this refers to particles existing in a state of probability until measured.
Computers Can Generate True Random Numbers Fact
Computers can’t generate truly random numbers in the purest sense with software alone. However, computers can generate truly random numbers with the help of natural random events.
The Universe is Mostly Empty Space Myth
The universe and everything in it, including humans, is mostly “empty space.” However, space is not actually “empty,” it’s filled with quantum fields and dark energy.
Energy is Neither Created or Destroyed Fact
Energy can’t be created or destroyed and neither can mass. Although energy can change forms, all energy in a closed system must remain constant.
Things Can Actually Touch Each Other Myth
Things never touch because everything is made of atoms. Atoms contain electrons and electrons repel each other. This is basic physics.
Time is Relative Fact
Time is relative to speed and gravity (time dilation), and so is space (length contraction). Light speed is constant for all observers, so time and space can’t be.
Blog Posts tagged with "Quantum Mechanics"
What is Light?
We explain “light,” both as electromagnetic radiation within a visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, and as electromagnetic energy carried by photons.
Mechanical Waves Versus Electromagnetic Waves
There are two types of waves: mechanical waves like sound that must travel through a medium like air, and electromagnetic waves like light that don’t.
The Physical Constants Explained
The physical constants are measurable properties of the physical universe that don’t change, everything else is relative to these constants.
The Standard Model (of Particle Physics) Explained
We explain the standard model of particle physics in simple terms for non-experts using videos, facts, and bullet points.