Question

A physicist attempts to use Newton's laws of motion to predict the behavior of a molecule of water, but the laws fail to give accurate predictions. What is the most likely reason?
A) Liquids do not follow the laws of motion.


B) The molecule is small enough so that quantum effects are important.


C) Newton’s laws apply to atoms, but not to molecules.


D) The molecule was likely traveling at a near-light speed.

Answer 1

Answer:

B) The molecule is small enough so that quantum effects are important.

Explanation:

The molecules of water behave like wave and their motion cannot be accurately predicted by classical physics laws but can be properly predicted by quantum theory.

Classical physics describes matter that behave like solid particles while quantum effect describes matter that behaves like waves.

Therefore, the correct option is B.