Distinguish between classical physics and quantum mechanics.

Classical physics, which includes the theories of mechanics, thermodynamics, electromagnetism, and classical wave theory, primarily deals with macroscopic systems—objects that are large enough to be observed and measured directly. It operates on the assumption that the physical world behaves predictably and deterministically. For example, in classical mechanics, the motion of objects is described with precision through laws such as Newton’s laws of motion. Similarly, classical electromagnetism, governed by Maxwell’s equations, describes the behavior of electric and magnetic fields in a continuous manner. Classical physics works well for everyday phenomena and large-scale objects, but it struggles to explain behaviors at the atomic and subatomic levels.

Quantum mechanics, on the other hand, is the branch of physics that deals with the behavior of particles at extremely small scales, such as atoms and subatomic particles. Unlike classical physics, quantum mechanics is governed by principles of probability and uncertainty. For instance, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle states that it is impossible to simultaneously know both the position and momentum of a particle with absolute precision. Quantum mechanics introduces concepts such as wave-particle duality, where particles like electrons can behave both as particles and waves, and superposition, where particles can exist in multiple states at once. Quantum mechanics fundamentally challenges the deterministic nature of classical physics and reveals that at microscopic scales, the behavior of matter is inherently probabilistic and governed by strange phenomena that do not occur at the macroscopic level.