Quantum mechanics is a physical theory in modern physics that describes the microscopic world, which has profoundly changed our understanding of the natural world. In this article, we will review the history of the development of quantum mechanics, the background, early developments, and milestones of its generation.
1. Background. At the end of the 19th century, classical physics had achieved great success. However, with the advancement of science and technology, people began to explore the microscopic world and discovered some phenomena that could not be explained by classical physics. For example, electrons, photons, and other particles seem to behave at odds with classical physics. This prompted scientists to explore new physical theories to describe the microscopic world.
2. Early development.
1.Planck with blackbody radiation.
In 1900, German physicist Max Planck proposed the law of black-body radiation, which laid the foundation for the birth of quantum mechanics. He discovered that both the radiation emitted and the radiation absorbed by objects existed in the form of discrete quanta of energy, which broke the common understanding of continuous radiation at the time.
2.Einstein's photon said.
In 1905, Swiss-born physicist Albert Einstein further developed the quantum concept and proposed the photon theory. He believed that light was made up of particles, not waves. This theory successfully explained the phenomenon of the photoelectric effect and further promoted the development of quantum mechanics.
3. Milestones.
1.Bohr's atomic model.
In 1913, Danish physicist Niels Bohr proposed the famous atomic model, introducing the concept of quantum into the study of atomic structure. He proposed that electrons can only revolve around the nucleus in specific discrete orbits. This model provides important enlightenment for the subsequent theory of quantum mechanics.
2.Schrödinger wave equation.
In 1925, Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger proposed the Schrödinger wave equation, describing quantum mechanics as wave dynamics. This equation describes the probability distribution and behavior of particles in space, and becomes one of the fundamental tools of quantum mechanics.
3.Copenhagen explained.
In 1927, Danish physicist Niels Bohr and German physicist Werner Heisenberg proposed the Copenhagen interpretation, which became the mainstream view of quantum mechanics. It emphasizes the important role of observation in quantum systems and argues that quantum states are objectively existing realities rather than subjective probability distributions. This explanation provides a philosophical and conceptual basis for subsequent research on quantum mechanics.
IV. Conclusion. Looking back at the history of quantum mechanics, we can see how this theory has gradually formed and perfected in the process of exploring the microscopic world. From Planck's black-body radiation and Einstein's photon theory, to Bohr's atomic model, Schrödinger's wave equation, and Copenhagen interpretation, these landmark achievements form the cornerstone of modern physics. Although quantum mechanics still has many unsolved mysteries and questions that require further research, it has provided powerful tools and frameworks for human understanding of the natural world. In the future, we are expected to use the power of quantum mechanics to solve more scientific and technological challenges.