👉 The total amount of something; quantity.
Alright class, settle down now, let’s take a look! You’ve got the dictionary’s definition – “the total amount of something, quantity” – that’s a good start, it's true. But "quantum" has a special meaning too! Think of it this way: imagine you have a box of chocolates, right? You can count how many there are – that’s a quantity . But “quantum” isn't just about counting individual things. It refers to the smallest possible unit of something. It's like saying, "This isn't a number, it’s a building block!" Let me give you an example: Energy doesn’t come in just any amount, no! It comes in little packets, tiny bursts – we call those “quanta” of energy. Like little sparks, bright and bold! It's used a lot in physics, especially when talking about the very, very small world - atoms and particles. They don’t behave like things we see every day; they act in these strange, discrete steps – that’s where ‘quantum’ comes in. So, "quantum" means the minimum amount, the smallest possible unit. It's a fundamental piece, you see? Does that make sense, class? Any questions to share?