Content about “

quantum mechanics

”

A brief introduction to the strange theory of quantum mechanics and how it appears to afford a special role to observers.

Traditionally, observers play no special role in physics. Like bird watchers in a perfect hide, we observe the outcome of experiments, or gaze at the stars through our telescopes, taking no part in the action. Modern physics, however, tells a different story ... find out more with these articles and videos.

Can the very act of observing something change what's being observed? This series of articles and videos explores some basic questions about the role of the observers in physics.

The strange theory of quantum mechanics has turned our conception of reality on its head. This article explores how things become fuzzy in the microscopic world and what this means for our understanding of events.

The possibility that there might be many parallel worlds has just become a little more likely.

Why are physicists unsure about what it means to say that something has happened? Anthony Aguirre and Sean Carroll explain.

Some general ideas in very few words and without equations.

Why did physicists at the beginning of the 20th century feel they needed a new — and strange — theory?

A very strange way of explaining away the strangeness of quantum mechanics.

At the heart of modern physics lurks a terrible puzzle: the two main theories that describe the world we live in just won't fit together.

A closer look at one of the simplest quantum algorithms.