What is Quantum Physics?

This story was submitted by our reader Santhoshi. K. A, 8^th class, Govt Model Girls High School, Namakkal, Tamilnadu

One evening, Aarav sat on the terrace with his father. The stars shone brightly above them. “Dad,” he asked, “what is quantum physics?” His father smiled. “It is the story of how scientists discovered that the tiny world is stranger than they ever imagined.”

A Strange Discovery

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, scientists thought they understood almost everything about nature. They believed the universe worked like a giant machine. But when they studied atoms, they found something surprising.

The Tiny World

“What are atoms, Appa?” Aarav asked. “They are the tiny building blocks of everything,” his father replied. “Your books, your clothes, the stars, and even you are made of atoms. Inside atoms are even smaller particles called electrons. And these electrons behaved in ways nobody expected.”

“How?” asked Aarav. “Sometimes they acted like tiny particles and sometimes like waves.” Aarav laughed. “How can something be both?” “That was exactly the mystery,” said his father.“To explain these strange behaviours, scientists created quantum physics.”

What does quantum mean?

“It means a small amount, Aarav. They discovered that energy comes in tiny packets called quanta. Interesting things!”

“Scientists also found that they cannot know exactly where an electron is before they measure it. We can only predict where it is likely to be. Quantum physics is a science of possibilities.

Quantum Around Us

“Is quantum physics only about atoms?” Aarav asked. “No, it helps us understand the world and has led to inventions like computers, phones, lasers, and many other technologies.” Aarav looked surprised. “So quantum physics helps your phone work?” “In many ways, yes.”

Aarav looked up at the stars. “The universe must be amazing.” “It is,” said his father. “The more we learn, the more mysteries we find.” Aarav realised that quantum physics was not just about science; it was also about curiosity and asking questions. Every discovery begins with asking a simple word: ‘Why?’

This story was published in the June 2026 edition of Yaksha Prashna, a monthly magazine. If you wish your child to read more such stories and gain knowledge of the things around them, then gift them Yaksha Prashna. It costs Rs 365/year + delivery charges. You can subscribe at https://www.yakshaprashna.co.in/subscription