Quantum Field Theory

Quantum Field Theory (QFT) describes each of the particles in the standard model as permutations in fields.​

​

Let's break that down. For every particle in the standard model, there is a field. This field exists in every part of the universe and particles are discrete vibrations in the field. To visualize this, we can use the example of a vibrating string, like a guitar string. The string can only vibrate at certain amounts of distance (also certain amounts of energy). In this metaphor, the string is the quantum field and the particles are the "vibrations" of the string. The string can only vibrate at certain values, and the particles can only exist with certain energies.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

This image doesn't completely represent what a quantum field is but it should help in visualization.

​

You can think of QFT as an extension of quantum mechanics to describe many particles at once rather than one at a time. This also means it deals with particle interactions via force fields. 

​​​

Overall, it combines elements of quantum mechanics with relativity to describe the behavior of particles.