What is quantum mechanics?

Question

I understand that its where something can be in two places at the same time but can anyone explain further?

Answer 1

Quantum mechanics is the study of mechanical systems on an atomic level.  for example, that of molecules atoms, electrons and other sub-atomic particles.  Quantum mechanics is essentially an extension to classical mechanics, to provide a more accurate, comlex view of the situation, and has consequently successfully described previously unexplainable phenomena, including electron orbits, and black body radiation.  

However, I feel that your actual question refers to the Quantum Heinsenbergs Uncertainty Principle.  Which essentially states that the more certain you are of a particles position in a small area of space, the less sure you can be of its speed.  The same also works for the inverse, that, the more sure you are of a particles speed, the less sure you are of its position.  If you require more information on this, then I can provide it.  

Answer 2

Quantum mechanics explains physical results using quantum theory.  Quantum theory states that something can have a chance of being somewhere.  If observed by intelligence, this chance is resolved.  But if not observed by intelligence, then this chance is not resolved.  For instance, an electron in an S orbital has a 50% chance of being with the orbital's radius of the nucleus at any point in time.  While unresolved (in the "coherant" state), the electron isn't maybe in and maybe out.  It's 50% in and 50% out at the same time.  When you look at it, the electron resolves to being in a particular place.  This effect can work in time, too.  It's why things have half-lives.

Answer 3

Quantum Mechanics is a wave theory of matter in which the dynamical properties of a particle are determined probabilistically by operations on a wave function (yes, an oscillating continuous distribution like radio waves) that characterizes the complete state of the particle. This is in constrast to classical theories (such as Newton's law) in which dynamical properties of a particle are characterized deteriministically by its precise position and velocity.

Since a wave function is a continuous field that can extend over all space that quantifies the probability of measuring its properties (including position), it can be said to be in more than one place at the same time.  Indeed, if the particle's momentum is specified exactly, we lose all information about its location. In that case it can be said to be everywhere at once.

Answer 4

quantum mech has its beginning in microscopic things but is equally true for everything. the reason this notion appears illogical is that in our daily dealings with the macroscopic worlds these properties are not significant and hence the theory appears "anti-intutional". This has its basis in the wave - particle duality of matter (i.e. everything) which is more noticable for small particle.  

Answer 5

Quantum mechanics is the study of mechanical systems whose dimensions are close to the atomic scale, such as molecules, atoms, electrons, protons and other subatomic particles. Quantum mechanics is a fundamental branch of physics with wide applications.

Answer 6

In quantum mechanics, "a particle" is really localized

energy wave group. The idea of a particle implies

something perfectly solid. It cannot be "two places" at

the same time. The energy wave group cannot be "two

places" at the same time either, but we try to determine

the probably of it's center of mass being at one place

as opposed to another place to put it simply.

hope this helps