In quantum mechanics, particles (like atoms and photons)ooze and change their states as they come into and leave contact with other particles. The behavior of a particularly stable subatomic particle, like an electron in an atom, can be predicted using the laws of classical mechanics. But when physicists zoom in on very small or veryfast-moving objects, the rules start to break down—and that’s where quantum mechanics comes in.
Quantum mechanics can help us understand the strange and seemingly bizarre behavior of particles on a very small scale. It also has many real-world applications, from powering lasers to helping scientists study rare disease proteins. In fact, you probably interact with quantum phenomena every day without even realizing it! Here are just a few examples of how quantum mechanics is used in the real world:
1. Lasers: A laser is a device that emits a beam of light that is intense, coherent (all the waves have the same wavelength), and directional (the waves travel parallel to each other). Lasers are used in everything from surgery to scanners at the grocery store check-out line. Most lasers contain electrons that are “trapped” inside atoms. When these electrons are forced out of their normal energy levels by some outside source of energy (like electricity), they fall back down and release photons—particles of light—in the process. The photons emitted by the laser all have exactly the same wavelength, which is what makes them appear so bright and focused when they exit the laser cavity.
2. Transistors: A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify or switch electronic signals or electrical power. They are made up of two types of material sandwiched together, usually silicon dioxide (SiO2) and some type of metal like aluminum (Al). When electric current flows through the transistor, it changes the properties of SiO2 so that it either conducts or blocks electricity depending on how much current is flowing through it—this action amplifies or switches electronic signals passing through it. Without transistors, modern electronics would not be possible!
3