Potential and Quanta

At the heart of quantum physics is the idea of the quantum. A quantum (plural quanta) is an irreducible amount of energy. Basically, this means the smallest thing possible in the universe. The quantum world is very much binary in nature – it is either on or off, or in a particular state of energy.

To explain this in simple terms, let’s take a quick view of how electrons function. Electrons have a defined orbit; the furthest from the nucleus inhabit what is called the valence shell. At any given point in time, an electron can be found somewhere within this shell and can be no further or closer from the nucleus.

When you add energy to an atom, the distance of the valence shell from the nucleus can grow further away from the nucleus. You might expect this to be gradual, like watching mercury rise in a thermometer, but this is not how the quantum world works.

Instead, energy builds up until it reaches a critical mass – the amount of energy necessary for the valence shell to change distance. When this occurs, the valence shell changes instantaneously, as does the position of the electron(s) in the shell. Such is the nature of how quantum mechanics operates.

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