Key Principles of Quantum Physics
- Wave-particle duality: Particles, such as electrons and photons, exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior.
- Superposition: Quantum systems can exist in multiple states or positions simultaneously.
- Wave function: Quantum states are described by mathematical functions called wave functions, denoted by Ψ (psi).
- Uncertainty principle: There is a fundamental limit to how precisely one can simultaneously know the position and momentum of a particle.
- Quantum entanglement: When two or more particles become entangled, their properties become correlated instantaneously.
- Quantization of energy: Energy levels in quantum systems are quantized.
- Probability and measurement: Quantum physics deals with probabilities, and measurements have probabilistic outcomes.
- Wave function collapse: The wave function collapses from a superposition of states to a single definite state when a measurement is made.
- Quantum states and operators: Quantum states are represented by vectors in a complex vector space, and physical observables are represented by Hermitian operators.
- Quantum tunneling: Particles can "tunnel" through energy barriers that classical physics would consider insurmountable.
These principles form the foundation of quantum physics, a field that has revolutionized our understanding of the microscopic world and has numerous practical applications in technology and science.