quantum mechanics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

Definition of quantum mechanics

: a theory of matter that is based on the concept of the possession of wave properties by elementary particles, that affords a mathematical interpretation of the structure and interactions of matter on the basis of these properties, and that incorporates within it quantum theory and the uncertainty principle

— called also wave mechanics

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Examples of quantum mechanics in a Sentence

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My mother’s father was Max Born, a physicist and mathematician who received a Nobel Prize for developing quantum mechanics. — Marc Myers, WSJ, "‘Grease’ Star Olivia Newton-John Began as Hopelessly Devoted to a Singing Career," 2 Apr. 2019 The money will go toward upgrading the equipment, including adapting techniques from quantum mechanics to improve the lasers and taking advantage of new mirror coating technologies. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "LIGO Gravitational Wave Observatory Getting $30 Million Upgrade," 15 Feb. 2019 Bormanis was initially stumped as to how such a thing might work, given that quantum mechanics governs the subatomic realm, and the Orville is an enormous craft moving faster than the speed of light. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "The Orville blends science fiction and science fact into a winning mix," 29 Dec. 2018 In 1931, English theoretical physicist Paul Dirac showed that quantum mechanics permitted such a particle, and by the 1970s, monopoles emerged as a consequence of Grand Unified Theory. — Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, "Scientists Hunt for A Seeming Paradox: A Magnet With Only One Pole," 13 Nov. 2018 Hawking theorized that this radiation was happening because of some effect relating to quantum mechanics, although this was difficult to prove because no scientists ever had any black holes around to test it. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Scientists Just Experimentally Proved One of Hawking's Wildest Theories," 23 Jan. 2019 The company also has formed partnerships with research institutions to use quantum mechanics to encrypt sensitive data being sent to and from drones. — Sara Castellanos, WSJ, "Airbus CTO Sees Quantum Computing Taking Off in Aerospace Industry," 23 Jan. 2019 In recent years, however, quantum mechanics has seriously challenged Wheeler’s view. — Frank Wilczek, WSJ, "Black Holes May Have ‘Hair’ That We Can See," 3 Jan. 2019 Alternate timelines—and specifically, the Many Worlds version of a multiverse—are a direct consequence of a literal interpretation of quantum mechanics. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "At last! Marvel finally drops first trailer for Avengers: Endgame," 7 Dec. 2018

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