Quantum mechanics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior and interactions of particles at the subatomic level. It explains how particles such as atoms and electrons behave and interact with each other.
Classical mechanics is based on Newton's laws of motion and describes the behavior of macroscopic objects, while quantum mechanics focuses on the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. In classical mechanics, objects have definite properties such as position and momentum, while in quantum mechanics, these properties are described by probabilities.
Quantum mechanics has many practical applications, such as in the development of transistors and microchips, lasers, and medical imaging technologies like MRI. It also has implications for cryptography and quantum computing.
The uncertainty principle, also known as Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, states that it is impossible to know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute certainty. This is a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics and arises from the wave-like nature of particles at the subatomic level.
While quantum mechanics is primarily concerned with the behavior of particles at the subatomic level, it can also be applied to larger objects. However, for macroscopic objects, the effects of quantum mechanics are negligible and classical mechanics is a more accurate and practical description of their behavior.