What does it mean to 'quantize' something?

Question

For example, Quantizing Gravity.

Answer 1

Quantize something means make something to assume only discrete values. We know that subatomic particles (e.g. particles with mass around electron mass) can only assume discrete values to their observables (measurable quantities like momentum, position, energy, etc).



Nowadays (well, since the 60's) there is a group of physicists trying to unify gravity with the other forces of nature (electroweak and strong forces). To do this, they have to create (and, of course, the experimentalists have to observe evidences) a quantized theory for gravity. It means that the gravity force should be mediated by particles (called gravitons) which can only assume discrete values to their observables. Actually, they are also trying to quantize the space-time, but I don't know exactly how does it work and I won't give you wrong definitions or ideas about it.



Until now, any evidence of gravitons were found, but the experimentalists keep looking for it in the Large Hadron Collider.

Answer 2

this means that the capability stages are consistently fundamental multiples of the backside (floor) capability. The variety of people is quantized too: you could basically have an fundamental variety of people residing on your place: a million individual, 2 persons, 5 persons and so on. you won't be able to have a million.5 or 4.56787 persons residing on your place. opposite of quantized = non-end.

Answer 3

I just googled it =/



http://www.thefreedictionary.com/quantized



quan·tize (kwntz)

tr.v. quan·tized, quan·tiz·ing, quan·tiz·es Physics

1. To limit the possible values of (a magnitude or quantity) to a discrete set of values by quantum mechanical rules.

2. To apply quantum mechanics or the quantum theory to.