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In Physics , a quantum leap or '''quantum jump''' is a change of an Electron from one energy state to another within an Atom . It is discontinuous; the electron jumps from one energy level to another instantaneously. The phenomenon contradicts Classical Theories , which expect energy levels to be continuous. Quantum leaps are the sole cause of the emission of Electromagnetic Radiation , including that of light, which occurs in the form of quantized units called Photon s. INACCURATE USAGE In the Vernacular , the term quantum leap has come to mean an abrupt change or " Step Change ", especially an advance or augmentation. The term dates back to early-to-mid- 20th Century . The vernacular usage usually implies a ''large'' and abrupt change, while the physical term typically refers to a ''small'' change in quantum mechanics, often even the smallest possible. The usages agree, however, in that both describe a change that happens all at once, rather than gradually over time. A 'quantum leap in technology' is thus a revolutionary advance, rather than an evolutionary one. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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