Basic ideas about Quantum mechanics

Quantum mechanics is a branch of science that deals with discrete, indivisible units of energy called quanta as described by the Quantum Theory. Quantum particles move like a wave from one point to another. In quantum mechanics waves can behave like particles, and electrons can create wave-like diffraction patterns upon passing through narrow slits. The photoelectric effect can only be explained if the light has a particle nature. Quantum mechanics explains that all entities have both wave and particle aspects and those different aspects were manifested by the entity according to what type of process it was undergoing. It is explained in the Principle of Wave-Particle Duality. The quantum wavelength of a particle can be calculated by using the DE Broglie relation p=h/lambda, where p is the particle's momentum, lambda is its wavelength and h is Planck's constant. Calculating the quantum wavelength is important because wave phenomena, such as diffraction, are generally only important when waves interact with objects of a size comparable to their wavelength. According to the quantum mechanical theory the wavelength of everyday objects moving at everyday speeds turns out to be very small and that is why no Quantum Mechanical effects should be noticeable at the macroscopic level, due to which Newtonian Mechanics is used for everyday applications. Small objects like electrons have wavelengths comparable to the microscopic atomic structures they encounter in solids. Therefore a Quantum Mechanical description, which includes their wave-like aspects, is essential for their better understanding.

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