QM
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Quantum mechanics |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Business & Finance |
QM has two meanings. It stands for Quantum mechanics (physics) or Qualified mortgage (real estate & mortgage).
Meanings of QM at a glance
| # | QM stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quantum mechanics | Science & Engineering › Physics |
| 2 | Qualified mortgage | Business & Finance › Real Estate & Mortgage |
1. Quantum mechanics
Science & Engineering · Physics Abbreviations
Fundamental theory describing matter and light at atomic and subatomic scales, where energy comes in discrete quanta, particles behave like waves and outcomes are given by probabilities. QM explains chemical bonding, semiconductors, lasers and the stability of atoms.
Example: Transistors, MRI and atomic clocks are all practical applications of QM.
Max Planck introduced energy quanta in 1900, Niels Bohr applied them to the atom in 1913, and Werner Heisenberg (1925) and Erwin Schrödinger (1926) formulated the full theory. Its interpretation remains debated, from the Copenhagen view to many worlds. Students often say "quantum" or "QM" for the introductory course.
2. Qualified mortgage
Business & Finance · Real Estate & Mortgage Abbreviations
Category of home loan that meets federal standards designed to ensure borrowers can repay, such as no negative amortization, interest-only payments or balloon payments in most cases, a term of 30 years or less and capped points and fees. Lenders making QMs gain legal protection.
Example: The self-employed borrower needed a non-QM bank statement loan.
Defined under the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's ability-to-repay rule, effective January 2014. Points and fees generally cannot exceed 3% of the loan amount. Since 2021 the general QM test relies on pricing rather than a fixed 43% debt-to-income limit. Loans outside the category are called non-QM.
Related abbreviations
More physics abbreviations
- PMT – Photomultiplier tube
- QCD – Quantum chromodynamics
- QED – Quantum electrodynamics
- QFT – Quantum field theory
- radar – Radio detection and ranging
- RF – Radio frequency
- RHIC – Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider
- SEM – Scanning electron microscope
See all 68 physics abbreviations →