Life Without Quantum Mechanics: The Missing Piece of a Puzzle
The branch of physics that deals with the tiniest world of atoms are what we call Quantum Mechanics. Considering the fact that Classical Laws can break the rules while explaining their behavior Quantum Mechanics stand out to be useful. This fundamental theory elaborates in detail the properties of atoms such as the subatomic and atomic scales. If you are aware of the application of mechanics in real life, you will be amazed to see how the illustrations openly lie right in front of you. Whenever discussions are made on this theory of Quantum physics, we tend to talk about the atoms, particles, their properties of nature, and so on. Automatically the subject diverts, and we hardly have any time to discuss its everyday usage that is so significant! This is what you will be learning here.
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Spooky Coincidence
Before diving into the application of mechanics in daily life, we need to understand the concept of a spooky coincidence.
The name Quantum Entanglement was initiated in the case where two particles have a strong connection, the effect on one can put an adverse effect on the other even being separated for a million light-years. This taste signifies the same existence of the two particles. According to Einstein’s relativity theory, this phenomenon is undeniable. Thus the name “Spooky Coincidence” came into existence.
With the advancement of technology, the real-life insights of Quantum Mechanics and the application of mechanics in daily life have turned out to be more explicit. How to use quantum physics in everyday life is a hot topic to discuss these days. Now we will be focusing on them.
Three Practical Usages of Quantum Mechanics
1. Quantum Clock
“Time is not absolute”- Einstein’s relativity theory.
This theory points out that the progression of time isn't the same for all the observers. It can significantly vary between one traveling and the other one observing. This separate Relativity of time to each observer is authentic as per the law.
A significant application of Quantum physics life is the use of atomic clocks, quantum clocks to be precise. Following the methods of Quantum physics, these clocks top accuracy rate to measure time. NIST, better known as the National Institute of Standards and the technology designed Strontium Clock that is considered to be the most accurate in this regard.
The accuracy level is such that losing a single second is impossible in 15 billion years. The brilliant measurement shows the age of the universe to be 13.824 billion years as in 2018. These clocks can also be used to associate with the global network to check the time irrespective of the location.
2. Supercharged Computers
The invention of the computer is a dazzling one in human history. Have you ever given a thought to supercharged Computers? It is yet another example of how life without quantum mechanics is too simple. The computers are string agents to perform even the most difficult calculation in a fraction of a second. They are capable of working with binary digits such as 0, 1, 2, and more.
What’s more exciting with Quantum computers is that they can process digits with Qubits equaling 0s and 1s together. The applications of molecular modeling and factoring numbers are handled by them much sooner than standard webs.
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3. Quantum Codebreaking
We all are aware of the fact of how from the initial days, there are desires to communicate with enemy allies. Many traditional methods have been selected for the purpose. Though due to inevitable drawbacks, the enemies could get over essential strategies during the face-off.
It is where quantum mechanics comes up with a great replacement. In QKD proper polarization of the information is done. The exact transmission of the encrypted messages is also possible without any prior leaks. No one will be able to access them without the availability of Quantum keys. The application of this quantum key readily points out how life without quantum mechanics is not balanced!
Did You Know?
These days, if you are unaware of some basic concepts of Quantum physics, then life can get a bit difficult. Hence, it is important to know the benefits of the application of mechanics in daily life. Especially an understanding of the quantum nature of light is very important. The application of mechanics in daily life usage can leave you surprised!
The energy difference between states is mainly responsible for signifying the frequency of the light observed and emitted. It provides discrete frequencies to any typical atom. Hence, whenever you are applying fluorescent lights anywhere, be it your room, school, office, or anywhere, always keep in mind the utility of Quantum physics in that regard. It again proves life without quantum mechanics in maximum cases is unimaginable.
Solved Example
1. What does K signify in Quantum Mechanics?
The 'K' in Quantum physics denotes Boltzmann Constant. This number i.e., the Boltzmann Constant is the chief number that points out the principle of Ideal Gas. In Quantum physics theory the presence of Ideal Gas is very significant. It describes in detail the motion of the gases under variable temperatures.
FAQs on Quantum Mechanics Used in Real Life
1. What are the most common real-life applications of quantum mechanics?
Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory that underpins much of modern technology. Its principles are essential for the functioning of many devices we use daily. Key applications include: semiconductors used in computers and smartphones, lasers found in everything from Blu-ray players to medical surgery, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detailed medical diagnostics, and the ultra-precise atomic clocks that enable GPS navigation.
2. Can you list five key examples of quantum mechanics in modern technology?
Certainly. Quantum mechanics is the basis for numerous technological marvels. Here are five prominent examples:
- Transistors and Microchips: The behaviour of electrons in semiconductors, which forms the basis of all modern electronics, is governed by quantum rules.
- Lasers: These work on the principle of stimulated emission, where photons trigger atoms to release identical photons, a purely quantum phenomenon.
- Atomic Clocks: They use the incredibly consistent frequency of electron transitions between energy levels in an atom (like caesium) to keep time with unparalleled accuracy, crucial for GPS systems.
- Medical Imaging (MRI): This technology uses the quantum property of nuclear magnetic resonance, where atomic nuclei in a magnetic field absorb and re-emit electromagnetic radiation.
- Quantum Computing: An emerging technology that uses qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once (superposition), to perform complex calculations far beyond the capacity of classical computers.
3. How does quantum mechanics explain the working of a laser?
A laser operates based on a core quantum principle called stimulated emission. In simple terms, electrons in the atoms of a laser medium (like a crystal or gas) are first excited to a higher energy level. When a photon with a specific energy passes by, it stimulates the excited electron to fall back to its lower energy level, releasing a new photon that is identical in phase, frequency, and direction to the original one. This process creates a cascading chain reaction, resulting in a powerful, coherent, and focused beam of light.
4. How is the 'spooky' concept of quantum tunnelling used in everyday electronics?
Quantum tunnelling is a phenomenon where a particle can pass through a potential energy barrier that it classically shouldn't be able to overcome. While it sounds theoretical, it is crucial for modern electronics, particularly in Flash Memory (used in SSDs and USB drives). In these devices, electrons are 'tunnelled' through a thin insulating layer to store data as a '0' or '1'. Without this quantum effect, storing and erasing information in such non-volatile memory chips would not be possible.
5. What is the fundamental difference between a classical computer bit and a quantum computer's qubit?
The primary difference lies in how they store information. A classical computer bit is binary; it can only be in one state at a time, either a 0 or a 1. A quantum computer's qubit, however, leverages the quantum principles of superposition and entanglement. This means a qubit can represent a 0, a 1, or both states simultaneously. This ability to exist in multiple states at once allows quantum computers to process a vast number of calculations in parallel, offering a massive advantage for specific problems like drug discovery, materials science, and complex optimisation.
6. Is quantum mechanics just a theoretical concept or does it actually affect our daily lives?
While the concepts of quantum mechanics can seem abstract, its effects are deeply integrated into our daily lives. Every time you use a smartphone, computer, or GPS, you are relying on technology built from our understanding of quantum physics. The transistors in your phone's processor, the laser in a supermarket barcode scanner, and the LED lights in your home all function because of quantum principles. So, far from being just theoretical, quantum mechanics is the practical foundation of the digital age.
7. How do atomic clocks use quantum mechanics to achieve such high accuracy for GPS?
Atomic clocks achieve their incredible accuracy by using the atom itself as a perfect, natural pendulum. According to quantum mechanics, electrons in an atom can only exist at discrete, predictable energy levels. To move between these levels, an electron must absorb or release a photon with a very specific frequency. Atomic clocks lock an electromagnetic field to this exact, unvarying transition frequency in atoms like caesium. Because this frequency is a fundamental constant of nature, the clock is extremely stable and accurate—losing less than one second in millions of years—which is essential for the precise timing required by the Global Positioning System (GPS).
