Kvantisitelyssä

Kvantisitelyssä, often translated as "quantization" in English, refers to the process in quantum mechanics where certain physical properties, such as energy or momentum, can only take on discrete, specific values rather than a continuous range of values. This is a fundamental concept that distinguishes quantum mechanics from classical physics.

In classical physics, a system's properties can change smoothly and infinitesimally. For example, a ball rolling down a hill can possess any energy value within a certain range. However, in the quantum realm, this is not the case. For instance, the energy levels of electrons in an atom are quantized, meaning electrons can only occupy specific energy states. When an electron transitions between these states, it absorbs or emits a photon with a precise energy corresponding to the difference between the two energy levels.

The mathematical framework for quantization involves operators that act on quantum states. When these operators are applied to a quantum state, the result is an eigenvalue multiplied by the original state. These eigenvalues represent the possible quantized values of the observable quantity. The phenomenon of quantization is responsible for many observable phenomena, including the spectral lines of atoms, the stability of matter, and the operation of lasers. It is a cornerstone of our understanding of the microscopic world.