Quantum-mechanics
noun, Physics.
1.
a theory of the mechanics of atoms, molecules, and other physical systems that are subject to the uncertainty principle.
Abbreviation: QM.
noun
1.
(functioning as sing) the branch of mechanics, based on the quantum theory used for interpreting the behaviour of elementary particles and atoms, which do not obey Newtonian mechanics
quantum mechanics
A fundamental theory of matter and energy that explains facts that previous physical theories were unable to account for, in particular the fact that energy is absorbed and released in small, discrete quantities (quanta), and that all matter displays both wavelike and particlelike properties, especially when viewed at atomic and subatomic scales. Quantum mechanics suggests that the behavior of matter and energy is inherently probabilistic and that the effect of the observer on the physical system being observed must be understood as a part of that system. Also called quantum physics, quantum theory. Compare classical physics. See also probability wave, quantum, uncertainty principle, wave-particle duality.
The branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter at the level of the atom, the nucleus, and the elementary particle. At this level, energy, mass, momentum, and other quantities do not vary continuously, as they do in the large-scale world, but come in discrete units, or quanta. (See Bohr atom and photon.)
Read Also:
- Quantum-jump
noun 1. Physics. an abrupt transition of a system described by quantum mechanics from one of its discrete states to another, as the fall of an electron in an atom to an orbit of lower energy. 2. any sudden and significant change, advance, or increase. quantum jump A change from one quantum state to another, […]
- Quantum medicine
noun multidisciplinary research using quantum physics to show that the human body is controlled and regulated by the human energy system; also, a branch of medicine that manipulates the body’s energy to treat and prevent disease Examples Quantum medicine is a combination of German functional medicine, Oriental medicine, Herbal/Homeopathic, and Quantum Physics.
- Quantum meruit
/ˈmɛruːɪt/ uknown 1. as much as he has earned: denoting a payment for goods or services in partial fulfilment of a contract or for those supplied when no price has been agreed
- Quantum-number
noun, Physics. 1. any integer or half of an odd integer that distinguishes one of the discrete states of a quantum-mechanical system. 2. any number that distinguishes among different members of a family of elementary particles. noun 1. (physics) one of a set of integers or half-integers characterizing the energy states of a particle or […]
- Quantum-optics
noun 1. the branch of optics dealing with light as a stream of photons, each possessing a quantum of energy proportional to the frequency of light when it is considered as a wave motion.