Understanding Quantized Values - Learn Examples & Concepts

[lemonylimes]

All I can think of are electrons and marbles! Oh god, please help. I need examples of quantized values.
And Quantized means, they're set to a select grouping, like whole numbers vs. real numbers? I'm hoping I'm somewhat on the right track...

Can't time be quantized too?

 

[Andrew Mason]

All I can think of are electrons and marbles! Oh god, please help. I need examples of quantized values.
And Quantized means, they're set to a select grouping, like whole numbers vs. real numbers? I'm hoping I'm somewhat on the right track...

Can't time be quantized too?

I would say that something is "quantized" if there is a non-zero lower limit to the smallest quantity of it that can exist. How about the photon (smallest quantity of light or em radiation), the atom (smallest amount of an element), the cell (the smallest form of life), the movie frame (smallest amount of a movie), the pixel (the smallest part of a digital picture), a tree (smallest part of a forest), a word (smallest part of a language), a letter (smallest part of a word)...

AM

 

[kyle8921]

I can provide some clarification on the concept of quantized values.

Quantized values refer to quantities that can only take on certain discrete values, rather than being able to vary continuously. This is often seen in the world of physics, particularly in the subatomic level. For example, electrons have quantized values for their energy levels, which can only exist at specific, discrete levels. Similarly, the spin of an electron can only have certain quantized values.

Another example of quantized values can be seen in the concept of energy quanta, or packets of energy. This is the idea that energy can only be transferred or emitted in discrete units, rather than continuously. This is often observed in phenomena like the photoelectric effect, where light is absorbed in discrete packets called photons.

In terms of your analogy of marbles, this could be seen as a representation of quantized values in the macroscopic world. Marbles can only exist as discrete, whole units and cannot be divided into smaller parts.

And you are correct in your understanding that quantized values are set to a select grouping, such as whole numbers or specific energy levels. This is in contrast to continuous values, which can take on any value within a given range.

As for your question about time being quantized, there is ongoing research and debate on this topic. Some theories suggest that time may be quantized at the smallest level, while others propose a continuous nature of time. More research is needed in this area to fully understand the concept of time and its relationship to quantized values.

I hope this helps to clarify the concept of quantized values for you. Remember, as a scientist, it is important to always question and seek understanding, so don't be afraid to continue exploring and asking questions about complex concepts like this.