Quantum Mechanics
"Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it." - Niels Bohr
βοΈ Wave-Particle Duality
Quantum objects like electrons and photons exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties depending on how they are observed. The famous double-slit experiment demonstrates this duality perfectly.
π Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle
It is fundamentally impossible to simultaneously know both the exact position and momentum of a particle. Mathematically: Ξx Β· Ξp β₯ β/2. This is not a measurement limitation - it is a property of reality.
π± SchrΓΆdinger's Cat
A thought experiment illustrating quantum superposition: a cat in a sealed box can be simultaneously alive and dead until observed. This highlights the measurement problem in quantum mechanics.
π Quantum Entanglement
Two particles can be entangled such that measuring one instantly determines the state of the other, regardless of distance. Einstein called this "spooky action at a distance." It has been experimentally confirmed.
π SchrΓΆdinger Equation
The fundamental equation of quantum mechanics describing how quantum states evolve over time: iβ βΟ/βt = Δ€Ο. The wave function Ο encodes all probabilities of a system.
π‘ Planck's Constant
The fundamental constant of quantum mechanics: h = 6.626 Γ 10β»Β³β΄ JΒ·s. It relates the energy of a photon to its frequency: E = hf. Named after Max Planck who discovered it in 1900.
π’ Quantum Numbers
Electrons in atoms are described by four quantum numbers: principal (n), azimuthal (l), magnetic (mβ), and spin (mβ). These determine the electron's orbital and energy level.
π» Quantum Computing
Uses quantum superposition and entanglement to perform computations. Qubits can represent 0 and 1 simultaneously, enabling exponential speedup for certain problems like factoring and optimization.