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.
Quantum, often called quantum mechanics, deals with the granular and fuzzy nature of the universe and the physical behavior of its smallest particles. The idea of physical granularity is like your TV image.
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 mechanics is the field of physics that explains how extremely small objects simultaneously have the characteristics of both particles (tiny pieces of matter) and waves (a disturbance or variation that transfers energy). Physicists call this the “wave-particle duality.”
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.
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.