Quantum Mechanics

Understanding the quantum world, wave-particle duality, and quantum phenomena

Topics

How do quantum computers work?

Quantum computers use quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in superposition (multiple states simultaneously) and entanglement (correlated states). This allows quantum computers to process many possibilities in parallel, potentially solving certain problems much faster than classical computers.

How does quantum mechanics work?

Quantum mechanics describes how particles behave at atomic and subatomic scales, where they exist in probability states rather than definite positions. Particles can be in multiple states simultaneously (superposition) until observed, and measurements affect what we observe.

What is a quantum?

A quantum is the smallest discrete unit of a physical property. In quantum mechanics, many properties like energy, momentum, and angular momentum come in discrete packets (quanta) rather than continuous values. A photon is a quantum of light energy.

What is quantum entanglement?

Quantum entanglement is a phenomenon where two or more particles become correlated so that measuring one instantly affects the other, regardless of distance. Entangled particles share a quantum state and behave as a single system, even when separated.

What is the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle states that we cannot simultaneously know precise values of certain pairs of properties, like position and momentum. The more precisely we know one, the less precisely we can know the other. This is a fundamental limit, not a measurement limitation.