Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Quantum physics is a branch of physics that deals with the behavior of matter and energy at the smallest scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. It explores phenomena that cannot be explained by classical physics.
Related terms
Atomic level: The atomic level refers to the scale at which individual atoms interact with each other. At this level, we study properties like electron configurations and chemical bonding.
Subatomic level: The subatomic level is even smaller than the atomic level and focuses on studying particles within an atom, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons.
This term describes the concept that particles (like electrons) can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behaviors depending on how they are observed or measured. It's like seeing a person act differently when they know they're being watched versus when they think no one is looking.