History of Quantum Mechanics

According to the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, quantum mechanics evolved over several decades, beginning as a collection of contentious mathematical explanations for observations that classical physics couldn’t explain (opens in new tab). It began around the same time as Albert Einstein published his theory of relativity, a different revolution in physics that describes the motion of objects at high speeds. 

However, unlike relativity, quantum mechanics cannot be traced back to a single scientist. Rather, throughout the late 1800s and 1930s, several scientists contributed to a foundation that progressively acquired recognition and experimental proof.

Founder of Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics began in 1900 when German scientist Max Plank published a paper on the effect of radiation on a black substance. Plank assumed that, like matter, energy is made up of separate units rather than a continuous electromagnetic wave during his investigations. Quanta were the name given to these tiny particle units. This hypothesis could explain natural phenomena such as how heat behaves on solids and how light is absorbed at the atomic level.

Quantum Mechanics Theory

Quantum theory is the foundation of modern physics, explaining the nature and behaviour of matter and energy at the atomic and subatomic levels. Quantum mechanics and quantum physics are terminologies that describe the nature and behaviour of matter and energy at that level. Quantum computing, which employs quantum theory to dramatically boost computing capabilities beyond what is conceivable with today’s classical computers, has attracted major funding from a number of countries.

Quantum Theory Development

1. Planck assumed that energy was made up of discrete units, or quanta, in 1900.
2. In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed that radiation, as well as energy, be quantized in the same way.
3. Louis de Broglie proposed in 1924 that there is no fundamental difference in the makeup and behaviour of energy and matter; both can act as if they are formed of particles or waves at the atomic and subatomic levels. This theory became known as the principle of wave-particle duality, which states that elementary particles of both energy and matter act as either particles or waves depending on the circumstances.
4. Werner Heisenberg claimed in 1927 that precise, simultaneous measurement of two complementary quantities – such as a subatomic particle’s position and momentum – is impossible. Their simultaneous measurement, contrary to classical physics principles, is inherently erroneous; the more precisely one value is measured, the more flawed the measurement of the other value will be. The uncertainty principle was born out of this idea, prompting Albert Einstein’s famous remark, “God does not play dice.”

Impact of Quantum Theory

Despite the fact that many scientists, including Planck and Einstein, have scoffed at the implications of quantum theory during the last century, the theory’s principles have been constantly verified by testing, even while the scientists were attempting to deny them. Modern physics is founded on quantum theory and Einstein’s theory of relativity. Quantum physics principles are increasingly being used in a variety of fields, including quantum optics, quantum chemistry, quantum computing, and quantum cryptography.

What are the main features of quantum mechanics?

Its two most important features have been preserved in modern quantum mechanics. They are:

(1) The existence of stationary, non-radiating states.

(2) The link between the energy difference between the initial and final states in a transition and the frequency of radiation.

Significance of Quantum Mechanics

Quantum mechanics enables the calculation of physical system attributes and behaviour. Molecules, atoms, and subatomic particles are examples of microscopic systems that are usually described with this term.

Atomic clocks, the world’s most exact clocks, can measure time using quantum theory principles. They keep track of the precise radiation frequency required to cause electrons to hop between energy levels.

Conclusion

In this article, we learned that Quantum mechanics is a field of physics that studies the subatomic and atomic behaviour of matter and light. It tries to explain the properties of protons, neutrons, electrons, gluons, and quarks, as well as the fundamental particles that make up atoms and molecules. The interactions of particles with one another and with electromagnetic radiation are among their properties. Quantum mechanics is a useful tool for understanding the electronic structure of chemical compounds and the mechanism, thermodynamics, and kinetics of chemical reactions at a theoretical level.