What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
quantal
Example
The energy levels of electrons in an atom are quantal. [quantal: adjective]
Example
The release of neurotransmitters from neurons is a quantal process. [quantal: adjective]
atomic
Example
The atomic weight of an element is the average mass of its atoms. [atomic: adjective]
Example
The atomic structure of a molecule determines its chemical properties. [atomic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Atomic is a more common word than quantal and is used in a wider range of scientific fields. Quantal is a more specialized term that is used less frequently.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between quantal and atomic?
Both quantal and atomic have a technical and precise connotation, but quantal is more specialized and may be considered more formal than atomic.
