quantum theory

quantum theory

n.

1. A theory in physics based on the principle that matter and energy have the properties of both particles and waves, created to explain the radiation of energy from a blackbody, the photoelectric effect, and the Bohr theory, and now used to account for a wide range of physical phenomena, including the existence of discrete packets of energy and matter, the uncertainty principle, and the exclusion principle.

2. Any of various specific applications of this theory.

---

quantum theory

n

(Physics / Atomic Physics) a theory concerning the behaviour of physical systems based on Planck's idea that they can only possess certain properties, such as energy and angular momentum, in discrete amounts (quanta). The theory later developed in several equivalent mathematical forms based on De Broglie's theory (see wave mechanics) and on the Heisenberg uncertainty principle

---

quantum theory

1. See quantum mechanics.

2. Any of various theories that makes use of the assumptions, principles, and laws of quantum mechanics.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

quantum theory - (physics) a physical theory that certain properties occur only in discrete amounts (quanta) scientific theory - a theory that explains scientific observations; "scientific theories must be falsifiable" natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions; "his favorite subject was physics" indeterminacy principle, uncertainty principle - (quantum theory) the theory that it is impossible to measure both energy and time (or position and momentum) completely accurately at the same time

Translations

quantum theory n (Phys) → teoria quantistica or dei quanti