Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Quantum Mechanics

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Quantum Mechanics 1. Wave-particle Duality One of the fundamental concepts in Quantum Mechanics is the wave-particle duality. It refers to the idea that particles, such as electrons or photons, can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties. This duality can be mind-boggling, as it challenges our classical understanding of how matter behaves. 2. Superposition Superposition is another term that often causes confusion. It describes a state where a quantum system can exist in multiple states simultaneously. It's as if the system is in a 'superposition' of all these states until it's measured or observed, at which point it 'collapses' into a single state. 3. Entanglement Entanglement is a phenomenon where two or more particles become correlated in such a way that the state of one particle is instantly linked to the state of the other, regardless of the distance between them. This concept, famously referred to as 'spooky action at a distance' by Einstein, is still not fully understood. 4. Tunneling Tunneling is a phenomenon where a particle can pass through a barrier that, according to classical physics, it shouldn't be able to. This occurs due to the wave-like nature of particles, allowing them to 'tunnel' through the barrier rather than going over or around it. 5. Decoherence