Chapter 4
Quantum Mechanics
Quantum mechanics (or simply quantum physics) is the branch of physics that applies to particles and systems of particles, such as atoms and molecules. In that realm the laws of classical mechanics and classical electromagnetism break down, and only quantum mechanics provides the concepts and computational methods that explain observed phenomena. Quantum mechanics uses specially developed tools, such as wave functions, that contain all of the relevant information about particles and systems. This approach is needed to understand the true nature of electromagnetic radiation and how that radiation interacts with matter. The mathematics used in quantum mechanics is highly specialized and often complex. In this chapter ...
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