Concept in Definition ABC

The adjective quantum refers to a scientific theory in the sphere of physics, specifically quantum physics.

Fundamental idea of ​​quantum physics

Everything is made up of atoms, which are made up of a central nucleus surrounded by electrons that revolve around it. Physics or quantum mechanics is the scientific theory that serves to explain how very small things, such as atoms and electrons, work.

According to a basic principle of quantum physics, atoms or electrons can be found in one place and at the same time in all places in the universe at the same time. On the other hand, this theory maintains that nature imposes its own limits to what we can know, that is, things in the "small world" can occur in a certain probability. This implies that there is no absolute certainty regarding the movements of subatomic particles. Regarding reality, quantum physics raises questions of a philosophical nature, since it reveals the problem of the existence of reality itself when we do not observe it.

It is possible for two atoms or two electrons to be in two places at the same time

According to the superposition principle, a quantum particle (an atom or an electron) is going to be in all possible states at the same time. On the other hand, according to the principle of uncertainty, the more we know about a quantum particle, the less we know about its velocity. These two principles of quantum physics produce a certain paradox, since two properties of the same particle cannot be measured at the same time. Due to this, there is a certain uncertainty in the prediction of quantum phenomena and for this reason we speak of the uncertainty principle.

Quantum physics implications

What is striking about quantum explanations is the fact that they predict effects that go against "common sense." In fact, quantum theory implies that Newton's classical physics is not applicable to the behavior of atoms. Apart from the theoretical approach of quantum physics, quantum research and experiments have had a close relationship with the nuclear energy or with atomic clocks, but also with genetics or astronomy (for example, to explain black holes).

Regardless of the scientific and technological implications, quantum theory has had a notable influence on the philosophy, since his postulates have allowed us to understand reality as a whole from another perspective. Finally, we must not forget that in the world of computing there is the so-called computing quantum, a theoretical model that is not yet present in current technology but it is foreseeable that it is the paradigm of the technology of the future.

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