The Impact of Quantum Physics
The word “quantum” seems so difficult to comprehend, even more so when coupled with the word “physics,” when in fact, quantum physics simply means the study of the world or the universe at the subatomic level. Once that is clarified, learning quantum physics doesn’t seem to be so hard. After all, nobody can possibly be afraid of something so minute and discrete. Yet, it’s a wonder how much energy is packed into such tiny things. Over time, many scientists have contributed to the knowledge of quantum physics as we know today, starting from Albert Einstein himself.
Learning quantum physics may at first seem to be a daunting task. But in doing so, a greater understanding on how the world and ultimately the universe operate is acquired. Not only that. Much of the world’s science leagues are themselves doing intense study of these tiny subatomic particles. Although Fermilab has accomplished a major feat in building a particle accelerator miles long, CERN in Switzerland is set and on the way to beating that record. Why is that so? Both of them are looking for that tiny particle, the graviton in the atom. This theoretical sub-atomic particle is said to be the reason gravity exists in the universe.
Because of the massive energy each atom contains, much time has been dedicated for its study. Nuclear energy, a relatively new energy source, requires much study if it is to help the world’s energy problems significantly. In contrast, quantum physics have been used in warfare and results in damages so devastating that the manufacturing of nuclear weapons is banned in many countries.
With so many possibilities in the realm of quantum physics for worldwide improvement or destruction, much care is given to its study. Major discoveries and breakthroughs could usher in a golden age of physics, similar to what Einstein experienced in his time.
How else is quantum physics making an impact today? Quantum physics actually helps out science with the use of electron microscopes, lasers, trasistors, and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI), among others. But the technological advances don’t stop there — far from it. New developments are taking place, like the quantum computer — set to perform at speeds exponentially higher then your everyday personal computer. Quantum cryptography is in the works too — guaranteeing secure transmission of information. In the far future is the possibility of quantum teleportation — transmitting and transporting subatomic particles over arbitrary distances.
But most importantly, quantum physics aims to answer the questions every man has had since the beginning of time. Not so much as “how does the universe work?” but, “where does man fit in all of this?” and, “what is the significance of this in my life?”
Quantum physics may not provide the answer to these important questions directly. But this science is a key to unlocking certain mysteries in the universe. More than just answering the age-old questions of how and why, quantum physics has proven to be a valuable tool for advancing technology, as we know it today. Quantum Physics has helped the world take a big step into the future, shaping the world with nuclei and electrons and other subatomic particles: the building blocks of all matter still proving how essential it is to go back to the basics.
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