What is Quantum?

Quantum: What does it mean and how it adds meaning to our life?

In physics, a quantum (plural quanta) is the minimum amount of any physical entity (physical property) involved in an interaction. A discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents.

( google images)

In this Universe everything is made up of atoms. All Matter is made up of atoms. Atoms were considered indivisible earlier. Now , we know that atoms can be divided further into tiny subatomic particles. In a simple way we can say that the main subatomic particles are protons, electrons and neutrons. The protons and neutrons are present inside the nucleus of an atom and contribute towards the mass of an atom while the electrons are orbiting around the nucleus in a definite path. The energy of each electron is quantised. 

 

Niel Bohr's model of an atom helps us to understand how the energies are distributed in an atom.For that work he received the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1922.

Bohr model of the atom

In the Bohr model of the atom, electrons travel in defined circular orbits around the nucleus. The orbits are labeled by an integer, the quantum number n. Electrons can jump from one orbit to another by emitting or absorbing energy. The inset shows an electron jumping from orbit n=3 to orbit n=2, emitting a photon of red light with an energy of 1.89 eV.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc.

 

Later, came the Quantum Mechanical Model of an atom where it describes the wave particle duality of an electron.This quantised energy is the energy of an atom that helps us to understand the mysteries of this universe.Quantum theory is all about this matter and energy. It has bewildered everyone with the endless possibilities of the relation between matter and energy.

The famous Einstein equation- “Theory of Relativity”

E=MC2

This marked the turning point in the study of matter and states that energy and mass are interconvertible. 

The credit of quantum theory goes not to only one scientist but to multiple scientists who have put their efforts to make things happening in our surroundings easy to understand.

Max Planck, in full Max Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck, (born April 23, 1858, Kiel, Schleswig [Germany]—died October 4, 1947, Göttingen, Germany), German theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory, which won him the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1918

Planck made many contributions to theoretical physics, but his fame rests primarily on his role as originator of the quantum theory. This theory revolutionized our understanding of atomic and subatomic processes, just as Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity revolutionized our understanding of space and time. Together they constitute the fundamental theories of 20th-century physics. Both have forced humankind to revise some of the most-cherished philosophical beliefs, and both have led to industrial and military applications that affect every aspect of modern life.(  Encyclopedia Britannica)

 

Quantum mechanics is based on the foundation principle where matter can behave as a particle(  electrons) and as a wave.The duality of matter as a particle and wave, quantization principles and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle started a new era of Quantum mechanics.

 

Have a look on these scientists and their thoughts:

 

So, to conclude today’s blog I would leave you all with a question:

Are we matter or energy?

In my next blog I will continue with quantum theory and I will also talk  about “ AUM” , which  is a sacred sound and a spiritual symbol in Indian religions. It signifies the essence of the ultimate reality, consciousness or Atman.

 

Quantum: My Journey and My Devotion

Quantum : My Journey and My Devotion

This is my first blog on the topic which is the most powerful in this Universe, “ The Quantum”. My love for quantum chemistry is very young so I cannot claim anything regarding the immense mysteries hidden in its core. Even though I sometimes cannot understand the complicated concepts, but, the thing keeps me pulling towards it. It is just like a hallucination created by the subject that you get carried away into it.

I am an Organic Chemistry person. Atoms to me are God and their study is my love. Belonging to a Hindu family I have been watching my mother doing all the Hindu religious rituals sincerely. I grew up spending my vacation at my Grandma's place which is actually a big Balaji (Vishnu) temple covering  10 acres of land which include the main temple and the surrounding area of land.

http://www.balajiwashim.org/index.php?page=historyEng

All my childhood I enjoyed festivals.I inherited  the same culture and traditions from my parents and family. I got a strong foundation of culture , knowledge and religion. Then my life took a turn, I got married and we moved abroad. Now, a period of constant conflict between mind and emotions started. The new vicinity of mine made practical knowledge interfere with the simple religious foundations which I followed innocently without a ridicule. It was kind of a struggle for me to keep up with myself because I felt like the ground slipping under my feet. It was very hard to accustom to the change as compared to the beliefs with what I have grown since my childhood. 

I almost had myself for a year with this period of confusion, questions, and losing faith. But, as we all know, “ Every cloud has a silver lining.” Being a science person, I enjoy reading science articles. One day I came across an article on quantum chemistry and cosmic energy. That article pulled me right back on my track. Quantum energy helped me to see the religion in the new light of science.  At once… everything started making sense to me , all questions I had in my mind came back with answers. The quantum world inspired me and strengthened my faith and belief. Since then I have been so fascinated by the concept that I cannot stop myself from reading about it. 

This is my journey of Quantum Devotion!

In my blog I am trying to relate the concept of quantum chemistry/physics and spirituality. 

Science and spirituality were always thought contradictory but nowadays so many researchers are backing the spiritual beliefs. Through all my blogs I am trying to enjoy the divine mysteries hidden in this subject.

https://exploringyourmind.com/the-dalai-lama-on-quantum-physics-and-spirituality/

The Dalai Lama believes that the connection between quantum physics and spirituality is obvious. According to the world-renowned spiritual guide and teacher, all of the atoms in your body include part of the ancient canvas that used to make up the universe. You’re stardust, connected biologically to all living creatures. You’re made of invisible, humming energy, connected all at once to everything that exists.

The Connection between Quantum Physics and Spirituality

The theories that connect quantum physics and spirituality aren’t new, nor come only from the Dalai Lama. Another resource on the subject is the book Science and Spirituality: A Quantum Integration by Amit Goswami. Goswami is a retired professor from the University of Oregon’s Department of Physics and the pioneer of a new scientific paradigm that seeks to lay the foundation for a conscious science.

I would like to conclude my first blog by the statement :

We are all made up of atoms which are nothing but empty space and energy. Quantum deals with this energy and forms the basis of spirituality. 

Next blog we will talk about the physics and chemistry of atoms and the meaning of quantum.