Quantum physics, or quantum mechanics, is a branch of physics that studies matter and energy on the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It revolutionized science in the 20th century by challenging classical physics and introducing counterintuitive principles.
Central to quantum physics is the concept of quanta—discrete packets of energy and matter—introduced by Max Planck in 1900. Albert Einstein expanded on this idea by explaining the photoelectric effect, where light behaves as both a particle and a wave. This duality is a core principle of quantum mechanics.
Werner Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle states that one cannot simultaneously know both the exact position and momentum of a particle, introducing a probabilistic nature to quantum systems. Erwin Schrödinger’s famous thought experiment, Schrödinger’s cat, illustrates superposition—the idea that quantum systems exist in multiple states until observed.
Quantum entanglement is another key phenomenon, where two particles remain connected, instantly affecting each other regardless of distance. This concept underpins technologies like quantum computing and cryptography.
Quantum physics explains phenomena classical physics cannot, such as atomic behavior, semiconductors, and chemical reactions. It has also enabled modern technologies like transistors, lasers, and MRI machines. Efforts to unify quantum mechanics with Einstein’s general relativity aim to develop a "theory of everything."
In summary, quantum physics reshapes our understanding of the universe, blending profound complexity with groundbreaking discoveries and transformative technologies.
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