Quantum physics vs. quantum mechanics

Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the distinctions between quantum physics, quantum mechanics, and quantum field theory. Quantum physics is viewed as an overarching field that encompasses quantum mechanics and quantum field theory, rather than as separate independent subfields. The significance of naming conventions in physics is debated, with some arguing that it matters only when it affects practical applications. Additionally, the terminology used can indicate the target audience of educational materials, with "quantum physics" often aimed at beginners and "quantum mechanics" tailored for advanced students and researchers. Understanding these distinctions can enhance clarity in the study and communication of quantum theories.
Mattara
Messages
347
Reaction score
1
I've been thinking about the difference between quantum physics and quantum mechanics. What are the difference?

Is quantum physics just a subfield name, and within that there are quantum mechanics and quantum field theory etc. or are all of these three independent subfields of physics?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mattara said:
I've been thinking about the difference between quantum physics and quantum mechanics. What are the difference?

Is quantum physics just a subfield name, and within that there are quantum mechanics and quantum field theory etc. or are all of these three independent subfields of physics?

Is there a reason why you put THIS much effort into what goes in a "name" such as this?

For me, this type of categorization has no significance and is quite interchangable. It is when a name effects the workings of physics and how it is practiced, then it matters (example: a "fermion" is not interchangable with a "boson" where the characteristics matters).

Zz.
 
I apologize for the inconvenience.
 
in the common sense, if one's book use quantum physics
this book is written for beginners.
while quantum mechanics "terminology" is written for graduate oriented students and researchers.
 

Thread 'Angular Momentum Vector and Its Magnitude'

For the quantum state ##|l,m\rangle= |2,0\rangle## the z-component of angular momentum is zero and ##|L^2|=6 \hbar^2##. According to uncertainty it is impossible to determine the values of ##L_x, L_y, L_z## simultaneously. However, we know that ##L_x## and ## L_y##, like ##L_z##, get the values ##(-2,-1,0,1,2) \hbar##. In other words, for the state ##|2,0\rangle## we have ##\vec{L}=(L_x, L_y,0)## with ##L_x## and ## L_y## one of the values ##(-2,-1,0,1,2) \hbar##. But none of these...
View full post »

Similar threads

A Multi-scale Decoherence and the Quantum-to-Classical Transition
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
I Lagrangian Mechanics, Continuous Particle Paths and QFT
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
A Multiparticle Relativistic Quantum Mechanics in an external potential
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
I States and observables in quantum mechanics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
A Magnetic field produced by moving charge in operator form
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
I Prof Mike Wiest's proposed link between quantum and consciousness
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
742
B Quantum entanglement and hidden variables
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
I Do ensemble-based predictions truly describe real finite systems?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
382
I Why is m_j not a good quantum number in strong-field Zeeman effect?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
B Quantum Superposition And A Coin
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
4K