Everyday Science · 45 sec
Quantum mechanics
The science behind something you encounter, use, or wonder about.
The useful idea
- Matter and light
is the fundamental physical theory that describes the behavior of matter and of light;
- The atomic scale
it is insufficient for describing them at very small submicroscopic (atomic and subatomic) scales.
- Wave and particle
Measurements of quantum systems show characteristics of both particles and waves (wave–particle duality),
Why this matters
Look for Quantum mechanics the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Try this
Look for Quantum mechanics the next time you notice this pattern in everyday life.
Test your recall
Which idea belongs to the explanation of Quantum mechanics?
- Matter and light — correct
- The atomic scale
- Wave and particle
is the fundamental physical theory that describes the behavior of matter and of light;