So, what is quantum? In a more general sense, the word “ quantum” can refer to the smallest possible amount of something. The field of quantum mechanics deals with the most fundamental bits of matter, energy and light and the ways they interact with each other to make up the world.
Quantum Physics coverage from Scientific American, featuring news and articles about advances in the field.
In physics, a quantum (pl.: quanta) is the minimum amount of any physical entity (physical property) involved in an interaction. The fundamental notion that a property can be "quantized" is referred to as "the hypothesis of quantization ". [1]
Quantum, in physics, discrete natural unit, or packet, of energy, charge, angular momentum, or other physical property. Light, for example, appearing in some respects as a continuous electromagnetic wave, on the submicroscopic level is emitted and absorbed in discrete amounts, or quanta.
Quantum physics is the study of matter and energy at the most fundamental level. It aims to uncover the properties and behaviors of the very building blocks of nature.
Quantum physics is the study of extremely small atomic particles. Quantum science aims to better understand the world around us and apply quantum theories to real-world technology solutions.
The quantum future is on our doorstep — and the U.S. National Science Foundation is helping to bring it home. For years, NSF has invested in quantum education, research, discovery, innovation and a quantum-ready workforce.
Quantum science promises to generate new knowledge and technologies that will offer revolutionary advances in physics, materials science, chemistry, biomedicine, encryption, communications and many other areas.