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'''Quantum mechanics''' (QM) is the branch of [[physics]] that describes behavior at small length and energy scales, such as those found in the structure and interaction of [[atom]]ic and subatomic particles.<ref>The quantum in QM is [[Planck's constant]]. Its units are angular (or rotational) momentum. If the value of this constant were much larger, then a human being might be able to perceive the impact of the constant by pulling the string to spin up a very rigid toy gyroscope. They would feel tugs at the gyro acquired more units of the constant. They could then set the gyro down in its frame and watch the rate of spin reduce due to friction in steps, rather than smoothly, and then finally abruptly snap down to a resting state. There are many non-intuitive implications of such a quantization. Perhaps the most immediate implication of the constant is the discrete nature of the first electron orbital of the hydrogen atom. As one proceeds to higher orbitals, non-intuitive non-spherical three-dimensional harmonic patterns emerge and these dominate in the next-higher-level structure of matter. An important example for humans is p-orbitals of the carbon atom that implement the carbon chains of the macromolecules that implement all known forms of life. There are many other non-intuitive implications of QM. QM has gone through several distinct mathematical formulations. The implications of QM that are well-understood are considered by most scientists to be laws of nature.</ref>

'''Quantum mechanics''' (QM) is the branch of [[physics]] that describes behavior at small length and energy scales, such as those found in the structure and interaction of [[atom]]ic and subatomic particles.<ref>The quantum in QM is [[Planck's constant]]. Its units are angular (or rotational) momentum. If the value of this constant were much larger, then a human being might be able to perceive the impact of the constant by pulling the string to spin up a very rigid toy gyroscope. They would feel tugs at the gyro acquired more units of the constant. They could then set the gyro down in its frame and watch the rate of spin reduce due to friction in steps, rather than smoothly, and then finally abruptly snap down to a resting state. There are many non-intuitive implications of such a quantization. Perhaps the most immediate implication of the constant is the discrete nature of the first electron orbital of the hydrogen atom. As one proceeds to higher orbitals, non-intuitive non-spherical three-dimensional harmonic patterns emerge and these dominate in the next-higher-level structure of matter. An important example for humans is p-orbitals of the carbon atom that implement the carbon chains of the macro-molecules that implement all known forms of life. There are many other non-intuitive implications of QM. QM has gone through several distinct mathematical formulations. The implications of QM that are well-understood are considered by most scientists to be laws of nature.</ref>

A fundamental principle of quantum mechanics is that there is an uncertainty in the location of a subatomic particle until attention is focused on it by observing its location.  This insight is essential for understanding certain concepts that [[classical physics]] cannot explain, such as the discrete nature of small-scale interactions, [[wave-particle duality]], the [[uncertainty principle]], and [[quantum entanglement]].  Quantum mechanics forms the basis for our understanding of many phenomena, including [[chemical reaction]]s and [[radioactive decay]], and is used by all [[computer]]s and electronic devices today.  In addition, quantum mechanics explains why the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics]] is always true.

A fundamental principle of quantum mechanics is that there is an uncertainty in the location of a subatomic particle until it is observed.  This insight is essential for understanding certain concepts that [[classical physics]] cannot explain, such as the discrete nature of small-scale interactions, [[wave-particle duality]], the [[uncertainty principle]], and [[quantum entanglement]].  Quantum mechanics forms the basis for our understanding of many phenomena, including [[chemical reaction]]s and [[radioactive decay]], and is used by all [[computer]]s and electronic devices today.  In addition, quantum mechanics explains why the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics]] is always true.

'''''The order created by [[God]] is on a foundation of [[uncertainty]]'''''.  The [[Book of Genesis]] explains that the world was an abyss of [[chaos]] at the moment of [[creation]].  Quantum mechanics is predicted in several additional respects by the [[Biblical scientific foreknowledge#Quantum mechanics|Biblical scientific foreknowledge]].

'''''The order created by [[God]] is on a foundation of [[uncertainty]]'''''.  The [[Book of Genesis]] explains that the world was an abyss of [[chaos]] at the moment of [[creation]].  Quantum mechanics is predicted in several additional respects by the [[Biblical scientific foreknowledge#Quantum mechanics|Biblical scientific foreknowledge]].

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provided that the wavefunction is normalised:  

provided that the wave function is normalised:  

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Several interpretations have been advanced to explain how wavefunctions "collapse" to yield the observable world we see.

Several interpretations have been advanced to explain how wavefunctions "collapse" to yield the observable world we see.

* The "hidden variable" interpretation<ref>http://www.reasons.org/resources/non-staff-papers/the-metaphysics-of-quantum-mechanics</ref> says that there is actually a [[determinism|deterministic]] way to predict where the wavefunction will collapse; we simply have not discovered it.  [[John von Neumann]] attempted to prove that there is no such way; however, [[John Stuart Bell]] pointed out an error in his proof.

* The "hidden variable" interpretation<ref>http://www.reasons.org/resources/non-staff-papers/the-metaphysics-of-quantum-mechanics</ref> says that there is actually a [[determinism|deterministic]] way to predict where the wave function will collapse; we simply have not discovered it.  [[John von Neumann]] attempted to prove that there is no such way; however, [[John Stuart Bell]] pointed out an error in his proof.

* The many-worlds interpretation says that each particle does show up at every possible location on its wavefunction; it simply does so in alternate universes.  Thus, myriads of alternate universes are invisibly branching off of our universe every moment.

* The many-worlds interpretation says that each particle does show up at every possible location on its wave function; it simply does so in alternate universes.  Thus, myriads of alternate universes are invisibly branching off of our universe every moment.

* The currently prevailing interpretation, the Copenhagen interpretation, states that the wavefunctions do ''not'' collapse until the particle is observed at a certain location; until it is observed, it exists in a quantum indeterminate state of simultaneously being everywhere in the universe.  However, [[Schrodinger]], with [[Schroedinger's Cat|his famous thought experiment]], raised the obvious question: who, or what, constitutes an observer? What distinguishes an observer from the system being observed? This distinction is highly complex, requiring the use of ''quantum decoherence theory'', parts of which are not entirely agreed upon. In particular, quantum decoherence theory posits the possibility of "weak measurements", which can indirectly provide "weak" information about a particle ''without'' collapsing it.<ref>http://quanta.ws/ojs/index.php/quanta/article/view/14/21</ref>

* The currently prevailing interpretation, the Copenhagen interpretation, states that the wave functions do ''not'' collapse until the particle is observed at a certain location; until it is observed, it exists in a quantum indeterminate state of simultaneously being everywhere in the universe.  However, [[Schrodinger]], with [[Schroedinger's Cat|his famous thought experiment]], raised the obvious question: who, or what, constitutes an observer? What distinguishes an observer from the system being observed? This distinction is highly complex, requiring the use of ''quantum decoherence theory'', parts of which are not entirely agreed upon. In particular, quantum decoherence theory posits the possibility of "weak measurements", which can indirectly provide "weak" information about a particle ''without'' collapsing it.<ref>http://quanta.ws/ojs/index.php/quanta/article/view/14/21</ref>

==Applications==

==Applications==