Quantum mechanics fundamentally challenges our intuitive understanding of the world. It's built on the idea that energy, momentum, and other quantities are not continuous, but rather exist in discrete packets called quanta. The universe at its smallest scales isn't deterministic; it’s governed by probabilities.
Superposition: A quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously until measured. Think of Schrödinger's cat – it's both alive and dead until the box is opened.
Entanglement: Two or more particles can become linked in such a way that they share the same fate, no matter how far apart they are. Measuring the state of one instantly influences the state of the other.
Quantum Tunneling: A particle can pass through a barrier, even if it doesn't have enough energy to overcome it classically. It’s like walking through a wall (though, in reality, it's a probabilistic phenomenon).
This equation, named after Erwin Schrödinger, is the cornerstone of quantum mechanics. It describes how the quantum state of a system changes over time. It's a mathematical expression that reveals the evolution of a quantum system.
The equation takes the form: iħ∂ψ/∂t = −(ħ²/2m)∇²ψ
Where:
i is the imaginary unit.
ħ is the reduced Planck constant.
ψ is the wave function (describing the state of the particle).
m is the mass of the particle.
∇² is the Laplacian operator (representing the second spatial derivative).
Quantum mechanics isn't just an abstract theory; it has profound implications and applications.
The interpretation of quantum mechanics is one of its most debated aspects. Different interpretations offer different explanations of what's 'really' going on at the quantum level.