quantum mechanics
Pronunciation
Noun
B2 Upper-intermediate
Quick answer
The branch of physics that explains how matter and energy behave at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles.
Usage notes
Its predictions are famously strange, including the idea that a particle can exist in two states at once until it's observed.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "_____ predicts that a particle can behave like a wave until it's actually measured."
Answer: quantum mechanics
In your own words, what does "quantum mechanics" mean?
The branch of physics that explains how matter and energy behave at the scale of atoms and subatomic particles.
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