What are the basic principles of quantum mechanics?

What are the basic principles of quantum mechanics?

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that describes nature at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. Key principles include wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, and superposition.

Can you explain wave-particle duality?

Wave-particle duality is the concept that every particle or quantum entity can be described as both a particle and a wave. For example, light can behave as both a wave (interference patterns) and as particles (photons) depending on the experiment.

What is the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle, formulated by Heisenberg, states that certain pairs of physical properties, like position and momentum, cannot be simultaneously measured with arbitrary precision. The more accurately you know one, the less accurately you can know the other.

How does superposition work?

Superposition is the principle that a quantum system can exist in multiple states at once until it is measured. For example, a quantum bit (qubit) can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously, which is fundamental to quantum computing.