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'''Quantum mechanics''' is the branch of [[physics]] that describes fundamental uncertainty in sub[[atom]]ic behavior.<ref>The quantum in quantum mechanics (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>  The act of observing converts the [[infinity|infinite]] uncertainty about where a particle is to a finite uncertainty, and that mere observation causes a change in behavior by the particle.

'''Quantum mechanics''' is the branch of [[physics]] that describes fundamental uncertainty in sub[[atom]]ic behavior.<ref>The quantum in quantum mechanics (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>  The act of observing converts the [[infinity|infinite]] uncertainty about where a particle is to a definiteness in position.

The basic principle of quantum mechanics is the [[uncertainty]] in the location of a subatomic particle until it is observed.  This explains why the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics]] is always true, and why everyone declines with old age: disorder tends to overcome order.  Quantum mechanics explains the discrete nature of small-scale interactions, [[wave-particle duality]], the [[uncertainty principle]], [[quantum entanglement]], [[radioactive decay]], and [[chemical reaction]]s, and is used by all [[computer]]s and electronic devices today.  Quantum mechanics explains the need for error-correction in [[information theory]], and why household circuit breakers properly trip without circuit malfunction.   

The basic principle of quantum mechanics is the [[uncertainty]] in the location of a subatomic particle until it is observed.  This explains why the [[Second Law of Thermodynamics]] is always true, and why everyone declines with old age: disorder tends to overcome order.  Quantum mechanics explains the discrete nature of small-scale interactions, [[wave-particle duality]], the [[uncertainty principle]], [[quantum entanglement]], [[radioactive decay]], and [[chemical reaction]]s, and is used by all [[computer]]s and electronic devices today.  Quantum mechanics explains the need for error-correction in [[information theory]], and why household circuit breakers properly trip without circuit malfunction.