Quantum mechanics
Quantum mechanics is a branch of science that started in the early 20th century as a number of scientists made certain observations that atoms (and their components) were not behaving as predicted by classical physics and chemistry. Occasionally known as the '30 years that shook physics',[1] this revolutionary theory led to the idea that energy must be quantized. That means that energy exists in discrete packets of predetermined value, rather than continuous value. A proper treatment of quantum mechanics is not only beyond this encyclopedia, but takes many years of study. A nice place to start is hyperphysics for a physics focus, for a chemistry focus please see UC Davis's chemistry wiki.
Quantum mechanics plays into how photovoltaic cells work for solar power and how nuclei behave for nuclear power.
References
- ↑ George Gamow, "Thirty Years that Shook Physics: The Story of Quantum Theory" Jul 1, 1985