In physics, a quantum (plural: quanta) refers to an indivisible and perhaps elementary entity. For instance, a "light quantum", being a unit of light (that is, a photon). In combinations like "quantum mechanics", "quantum optics", etc., it distinguishes a more specialized field of study.
The word comes from the Latin "quantus", for "how much".
Behind this, one finds the fundamental notion that a physical property may be "quantized", referred to as "quantization". This means that the magnitude can take on only certain numerical values, rather than any value, at least within a range. For example, the energy of an electron bound to an atom (at rest) is quantized. This accounts for the stability of atoms, and matter in general.
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Quantum - Series overview and archive of topics covered.
Meta Description: [ US researchers are developing a computerised steady-scalpel that can remove all unwanted movements so patients can always be operated on by a completely steady hand An earth scientist at Latrobe Univ ]
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