Final answer:
Quantum mechanics describes the motion of subatomic particles as exhibiting wave-particle duality, where particles like electrons have both particle-like and wave-like properties, functioning differently from objects described by classical mechanics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory in physics that deals with the study of the motions of subatomic particles and atoms, which are on the atomic or subatomic scale. This field of physics tells us that in the quantum world, unlike in classical mechanics, electrons and other subatomic particles exhibit wave-particle duality, meaning they possess both particle-like and wave-like characteristics. At this scale, particles such as the electron don't gain or lose energy in any amount; they do so in discrete packets called quanta, which is a significant difference from classical mechanics, where objects of our everyday experience operate.
Notably, quantum mechanics diverges from the scope of classical mechanics, as it is necessary to incorporate both the particle nature and the wave nature of matter to accurately describe physical phenomena on such a tiny scale. Quantum mechanics uses mathematical functions known as wavefunctions to describe the probable positions and energies of particles. This approach incorporates the Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, which states that the exact position and momentum of a particle cannot be simultaneously known.