quantum mechanics
[/ˈkwɑːntəm məˈkænɪks/]
nounfeminine
mecânica quântica
1. The branch of physics dealing with the behavior of matter and energy at atomic and subatomic scales, where classical mechanics fails to apply
Quantum mechanics explains why electrons orbit atoms in discrete energy levels rather than falling into the nucleus
A mecânica quântica explica por que os elétrons orbitam átomos em níveis de energia discretos em vez de caírem no núcleo
2. The theoretical framework governing subatomic particles and their interactions through wave-particle duality and probabilistic outcomes
The principles of quantum mechanics revolutionized our understanding of atomic structure and chemical bonding
Os princípios da mecânica quântica revolucionaram nossa compreensão da estrutura atômica e das ligações químicas
Quantum mechanics is a fundamental subject in physics education worldwide. In both Brazil and the USA, it represents cutting-edge scientific knowledge taught at university level. The term 'quantum leap' has entered popular lexicon in English-speaking countries to describe any significant breakthrough, though it's often used imprecisely. In Portuguese-speaking academic communities, 'mecânica quântica' maintains its precise scientific meaning and is rarely used metaphorically.
Related Idioms & Phrases
quantum leap - a sudden, dramatic change or advance
uncertainty principle - the concept that certain pairs of physical properties cannot both be known precisely
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