a bit o' quantum theory
 
 

Quantum mechanics, a branch of mathematical physics, holds that energy and matter exist in discrete, knowable quantities dubbed quanta (quantum singular).  This supposition, called quantization, makes the field of quantum mechanics especially applicable to the study of interactions among elementary particles.  It stands opposed to the tenet of classical physics which declares energy to be a solely continuous phenomenon, and matter to move similarly in a precise region of space.  According to quantum mechanics, energy is emitted and absorbed in the aforementioned units of quanta, which move about in some situations like matter particles.  Quantum theory suggests a dual nature for waves and particles, and as such has become useful in explaining many properties of matter.