Quanta

In physics, a quantum (plural: quanta) is the minimum amount of any physical entity (physical property) involved in an interaction. The fundamental notion that a physical property may be "quantized" is referred to as "quantum mechanics." This theory generalises classical mechanics and electromagnetism and is necessary to explain certain phenomena, such as the behaviour of electrons in an atom, the properties of semiconductors, and the phenomenon of superconductivity.

 

For example, the energy of an electron in an atom can only take on certain discrete values, or quanta, rather than any value as in classical mechanics. The idea of the quantization of energy is a fundamental concept in quantum mechanics and is related to the idea of wave-particle duality.

In general, quantum mechanics provides a mathematical framework for understanding and making predictions about the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level.