A curious observer’s guide to quantum mechanics, pt. 5: Catching a wave

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One of the quietest revolutions of our current century has been the entry of quantum mechanics into our everyday technology. It used to be that quantum effects were confined to physics laboratories and delicate experiments. But modern technology increasingly relies on quantum mechanics for its basic operation, and the importance of quantum effects will only grow in the decades to come. As such, physicist Miguel F. Morales has taken on the herculean task of explaining quantum mechanics to laypeople in this seven-part series (no math, we promise). Below is the fifth story in the series, but you can always find the starting story plus a landing page for the entire series thus far on site.

Sung to the abbess's lines in "Maria" from The Sound of Music:

"How do you catch a wave like Maria? How do you grab a cloud and pin it down? Oh, how do you solve a particle like Maria? How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?"

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