释义 |
quantum meˈchanics Physics. [f. quantum + mechanics.] A mathematical theory of the motion and interaction of (esp. sub-atomic) particles that was developed from the old quantum theory and incorporates the concept of wave–particle duality, the uncertainty principle, and the correspondence principle; cf. matrix mechanics, wave mechanics. This is not quite the sense in quot. 1922.
1922Rep. Brit. Assoc. Adv. Sci. 1921 473 The spectrum theory is far the most important branch of the quantum theory, as it has led and is still leading to extensions of quantum mechanics. 1925Proc. R. Soc. A. CIX. 642 (heading) The fundamental equations of quantum mechanics. 1935B. Russell Relig. & Sci. vi. 151 The challenge has come through the study of the atom by the new methods of quantum mechanics. 1956E. H. Hutten Lang. Mod. Physics v. 179 The mathematical formulae of quantum mechanics permit us to predict future events only within a certain margin of error. 1956H. Umezawa Quantum Field Theory i. 1 Quantum mechanics and relativity are respectively characterised by the constants h and C and, when h and (1/C) are taken as vanishingly small, the results of these theories are identical with those of Newtonian mechanics. 1974G. Reece tr. Hund's Hist. Quantum Theory x. 132 The first strictly valid version of quantum mechanics that was both logical and capable of generalization was provided by Heisenberg's paper of July 1925. 1978Sci. Amer. Feb. 126/3 There is no workable theory of gravitation that is consistent with the principles of quantum mechanics. Ibid. 131/1 The present understanding of the fundamental laws of nature arose from three principles: special relativity, general relativity and quantum mechanics. Hence quantum-mechanical a., quantum-mechanically adv.
1927Proc. R. Soc. A. CXIV. 715 One can obtain the result..by using a quantum-mechanical argument. 1936Quantum-mechanically [see quantal a. 2 c]. 1949Koestler Insight & Outlook xi. 156 Quantum-mechanical concepts slowly permeate all spheres of physics, chemistry, and..biology. 1963G. Troup Masers & Lasers (ed. 2) iv. 58 It can be shown quantum-mechanically..that there is a definite probability that A will make the transition 1 → 2 while B makes the transition 3 → 1. 1968G. Ludwig Wave Mech. i. ii. 9 These equations..are the basis even today for the construction of modern accelerators, since quantum-mechanical effects are not involved in the motion of the particles in these devices. 1971Nature 15 Jan. 158/2 The existence of such a low⁓lying σ transition would be a surprise to theoreticians, but quantum-mechanically it is not entirely out of the question. |