Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Quantum mechanics: At the atomic level, objects such as atoms and electrons do not obey standard Newtonian mechanics. Instead, the properties of these objects are described by a different set of rules, called quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics explains (for example) why an electron behaves as a particle and wave simultaneously. Note: A quantum mechanic is not a person who fixes quanta.


  

Two representations of some people's perceptions of quantum mechanics.