Quantum Physics: Quantum Theory / Wave Mechanics

[karene]

Quantum Physics: Quantum Theory / Wave Mechanics

The Wave Structure of Matter (WSM) and spherical Standing Wave Interactions explains Discrete Energy States of Quantum Physics (Quantum Theory / Wave Mechanics)
A Simple Solution to the Particle / Wave Duality of Light and Matter

(Louis de Broglie, Nobel Prize Speech, Quantum Physics, 1929) On the one hand the quantum theory of light cannot be considered satisfactory since it defines the energy of a light particle (photon) by the equation E=hf containing the frequency f. Now a purely particle theory contains nothing that enables us to define a frequency; for this reason alone, therefore, we are compelled, in the case of light, to introduce the idea of a particle and that of frequency simultaneously. On the other hand, determination of the stable motion of electrons in the atom introduces integers, and up to this point the only phenomena involving integers in physics were those of interference and of normal modes of vibration. This fact suggested to me the idea that electrons too could not be considered simply as particles, but that frequency (wave properties) must be assigned to them also.

(Albert Einstein, On Quantum Mechanics, 1940) The development during the present century is characterized by two theoretical systems essentially independent of each other: the theory of relativity and the quantum theory. The two systems do not directly contradict each other; but they seem little adapted to fusion into one unified theory.
... Experiments on interference made with particle rays have given brilliant proof that the wave character of the phenomena of motion as assumed by the theory do, really, correspond to the facts.
... de Broglie conceived an electron revolving about the atomic nucleus as being connected with a hypothetical wave train, and made intelligible to some extent the discrete character of Bohr's 'permitted' paths by the stationary (standing) character of the corresponding waves.

(Fritjof Capra, The Tao of Physics, On Quantum Theory) A careful analysis of the process of observation in atomic physics has shown that the subatomic particles have no meaning as isolated entities, but can only be understood as interconnections between the preparation of an experiment and the subsequent measurement. Quantum theory thus reveals a basic oneness of the universe. It shows that we cannot decompose the world into independently existing smallest units. As we penetrate into matter, nature does not show us any isolated ‘basic building blocks’, but rather appears as a complicated web of relations between the various parts of the whole.


The more success the quantum mechanics has, the sillier it looks.
(Albert Einstein to Heinrich Zangger on Quantum Theory, May 20, 1912)



To be completed.
Karene and Geoff are working on these physics pages over April, 2005.
For more information please see;
http://www.spaceandmotion.com/Physics-Quantum-Theory-Mechanics.htm