What is a Quantum Leap?

You may have heard this term used in science fiction before to describe all sorts of significant changes. However, a quantum leap is usually a tiny jump such as an electron that makes a jump between adjacent electron orbits. The atom will create a photon when an electron moves to a lower energy level. Atoms will also absorb a photon when an electron moves to a higher energy level or leaves the atom which is known as ionization.

One cause of a quantum leap is when a wave passes through two or more spin aligned protons. This wave passing through causes an increase in the orbital force which repels the electron further. This effect is proportional to the square of the protons in alignment. The second cause of a quantum leap can be accredited to an energy gain in the spin of a proton.