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Columnist and Physics

Why exactly is the quantum world so weird?

We can describe the quantum realm using straightforward mathematics – but once we try to translate these ideas into the real world, things get weird. Our quantum columnist Karmela Padavic-Callaghan explains why

By Karmela Padavic-Callaghan

4 March 2025

Why is the quantum realm so weird?

jvphoto/Alamy

The following is an extract from our Lost in Space-Time newsletter. Each month, we hand over the keyboard to a physicist or mathematician to tell you about fascinating ideas from their corner of the universe. You can sign up for Lost in Space-Time here.

Before I entered university, I learned quantum physics is the most mysterious type of physics, full of particles that exist in two places at once, waves that don’t actually wave and objects whose behaviour can depend on things happening on the other side of our universe. I…

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