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"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.