The most obvious "quantum" paradox is that we exist at all. We are made out of atoms, which are, in turn, made out of charged particles, electrons and nuclei. Classical physics tells us that oppositely charged particles attract each other, so the logical expectation is that our electrons and nuclei should smash together, and our bodies should collapse into a pile of subatomic rubble. The fact that you are still sitting here reading this tells you that something is seriously wrong with the classical view.
The correct rules for predicting atom behavior are contained in a newer branch of physics called quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics does not really tell us why electron and nuclear behavior is so at odds with the everyday experience of classical physics, but it does make accurate predictions, such as the fact that atoms will exist.
The next few sections introduce the rules of quantum mechanics that are most important for an understanding of chemical bonding. The rules are not introduced all at once, but on a "need to know" basis, so its best to read through each section to make sure that you don't miss anything essential. A more complete description of the experimental basis and rules of quantum mechanics can be found in the bibliography.
(last updated 6/7/97)