Einstein Versus Bohr on Reality

2021 ◽  
pp. 161-177
Author(s):  
Steven L. Goldman

Ontology is integral to the two most fundamental scientific theories of the twentieth century: quantum theory and the special and general theories of relativity. Issues that drove the development of quantum theory include the reality of quanta, the simultaneous wave- and particle-like nature of matter and energy, determinism, probability and randomness, Schrodinger’s wave equation, and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. So did the reality of the predictions about space, time, matter, energy, and the universe itself that were deduced from the special and general theories of relativity. Dirac’s prediction of antimatter based solely on the mathematics of his theory of the electron and Pauli’s prediction of the neutrino based on his belief in quantum mechanics are cases in point. Ontological interpretations of the uncertainty principle, of quantum vacuum energy fields, and of Schrodinger’s probability waves in the form of multiple universe theories further illustrate this point.

Author(s):  
Frank S. Levin

The subject of Chapter 8 is the fundamental principles of quantum theory, the abstract extension of quantum mechanics. Two of the entities explored are kets and operators, with kets being representations of quantum states as well as a source of wave functions. The quantum box and quantum spin kets are specified, as are the quantum numbers that identify them. Operators are introduced and defined in part as the symbolic representations of observable quantities such as position, momentum and quantum spin. Eigenvalues and eigenkets are defined and discussed, with the former identified as the possible outcomes of a measurement. Bras, the counterpart to kets, are introduced as the means of forming probability amplitudes from kets. Products of operators are examined, as is their role underpinning Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle. A variety of symbol manipulations are presented. How measurements are believed to collapse linear superpositions to one term of the sum is explored.


Author(s):  
Geoff Cottrell

‘The quantum world of the atom’ considers the profound discoveries of the early twentieth century that exposed the inner structure of the atom and the revolutionary new physics of quantum mechanics—the behaviour of matter on very small scales. At the microscopic level, ‘particles’ of matter resemble waves, a feature that enables us to understand the structure, stability, and properties of atoms. Key discoveries and concepts are described: the fundamental constant of nature, Planck’s constant; Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle; the Schrödinger equation; quantum tunnelling; the wavelike characteristics of microscopic particles; and the two types of particles, fermions and bosons.


The paper is a continuation of the last paper communicated to these 'Proceedings.' In that paper, which we shall refer to as the first paper, a more general expression for space curvature was obtained than that which occurs in Riemannian geometry, by a modification of the Riemannian covariant derivative and by the use of a fifth co-ordinate. By means of a particular substitution (∆ μσ σ = 1/ψ ∂ψ/∂x μ ) it was shown that this curvature takes the form of the second order equation of quantum mechanics. It is not a matrix equation, however but one which has the character of the wave equation as it occurred in the earlier form of the quantum theory. But it contains additional terms, all of which can be readily accounted for in physics, expect on which suggested an identification with energy of the spin.


Author(s):  
Anurag Chapagain

Abstract: It is a well-known fact in physics that classical mechanics describes the macro-world, and quantum mechanics describes the atomic and sub-atomic world. However, principles of quantum mechanics, such as Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, can create visible real-life effects. One of the most commonly known of those effects is the stability problem, whereby a one-dimensional point base object in a gravity environment cannot remain stable beyond a time frame. This paper expands the stability question from 1- dimensional rod to 2-dimensional highly symmetrical structures, such as an even-sided polygon. Using principles of classical mechanics, and Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, a stability equation is derived. The stability problem is discussed both quantitatively as well as qualitatively. Using the graphical analysis of the result, the relation between stability time and the number of sides of polygon is determined. In an environment with gravity forces only existing, it is determined that stability increases with the number of sides of a polygon. Using the equation to find results for circles, it was found that a circle has the highest degree of stability. These results and the numerical calculation can be utilized for architectural purposes and high-precision experiments. The result is also helpful for minimizing the perception that quantum mechanical effects have no visible effects other than in the atomic, and subatomic world. Keywords: Quantum mechanics, Heisenberg Uncertainty principle, degree of stability, polygon, the highest degree of stability


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yasin

In 1927 Heisenberg has invented the uncertainty principle. The principle of uncertainty is, "It is impossible to determine the position and momentum of a particle at the same time."The more accurately the momentum is measured, the more uncertain the position will be. Just knowing the position would make the momentum uncertain. Einstein was adamant against this principle until his death. He thought that particles have some secret rules. Einstein thought, "The uncertainty principle is incomplete. There is a mistake somewhere that has resulted in uncertainty. Many did not accept Einstein then. But I'm sure Einstein was right then, there are secret rules for particles. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle is also 100% correct . I recently published a research paper named "Quantum Certainty Mechanics"[1], which shows the principle of measuring the momentum and position of particles by the quantum certainty principle. Why uncertainty comes from certainty is the main topic of this research paper. When the value of the energy absorbed by the electron in the laboratory is calculated, the uncertainty is removed. The details are discussed below.


1988 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 147-162 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mara Beller

The ArgumentThis paper analyzes the complex and many-layered interrelation between the realization of the inevitable limits of precision in the experimental domain, the emerging quantum theory, and empirically oriented philosophy in the years 1925–1935. In contrast to the usual historical presentation of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle as a purely theoretical achievement, this work discloses the experimental roots of Heisenberg's contribution. In addition, this paper argues that the positivistic philosophy of elimination of unobservables was not used as a guiding principle in the emergence of the new quantum theory, but rather mostly as a post facto justification. The case of P. W. Bridgman, analyzed in this paper, demonstrates how inconclusive operationalistic arguments are, when used as a possible heuristic aid for future discoveries. A large part of this paper is devoted to the evolution of Bridgman's views, and his skeptical reassessment of operationalism and of the very notion of scientific truth.


1988 ◽  
Vol 03 (07) ◽  
pp. 645-651 ◽  
Author(s):  
SUMIO WADA

A non-probabilistic interpretation of quantum mechanics asserts that we get a prediction only when a wave function has a peak. Taking this interpretation seriously, we discuss how to find a peak in the wave function of the universe, by using some minisuperspace models with homogeneous degrees of freedom and also a model with cosmological perturbations. Then we show how to recover our classical picture of the universe from the quantum theory, and comment on the physical meaning of the backreaction equation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 113 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-156
Author(s):  
Jeanne Peijnenburg ◽  
David Atkinson

Abstract How certain is Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle?Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle is at the heart of the orthodox or Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. We first sketch the history that led up to the formulation of the principle. Then we recall that there are in fact two uncertainty principles, both dating from 1927, one by Werner Heisenberg and one by Earle Kennard. Finally, we explain that recent work in physics gives reason to believe that the principle of Heisenberg is invalid, while that of Kennard still stands.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron C.H. Davey

The father of quantum mechanics, Erwin Schrodinger, was one of the most important figures in the development of quantum theory. He is perhaps best known for his contribution of the wave equation, which would later result in his winning of the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1933. The Schrodinger wave equation describes the quantum mechanical behaviour of particles and explores how the Schrodinger wave functions of a system change over time. This project is concerned about exploring the one-dimensional case of the Schrodinger wave equation in a harmonic oscillator system. We will give the solutions, called eigenfunctions, of the equation that satisfy certain conditions. Furthermore, we will show that this happens only for particular values called eigenvalues.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre GEORGES

Are General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics incompatible? Each in their world, that of the infinitely large and that of the infinitely small, they did not seem to interfere as long as they avoided each other. However, it is their fundamental oppositions that prevent the scientific community from achieving a unification of physics. The proposal of this paper is to provide a mathematical proof of incompatibility, beyond the fact that they have fundamentally different principles, between the foundations of General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics, namely the deformation of the space-time geometry and the Uncertainty Principle. It will thus be possible to provide an absolute limitation in establishing a unifying theory of physics, if any. Moreover, while respecting the conditions fixed by the Uncertainty Principle, it will be tempted to determine with accuracy and simultaneity, the position and the speed of a non-relativistic particle, by application of relativistic principles and bypassing the problems raised by such an operation. The Uncertainty Principle as stated by Werner Heisenberg will be then, in the light of observations made on the measurement of the time dilatation and in accordance with its own terms, refuted by the present. - Physics Essays, Volume 31, Issue 3 (September 2018), Article 12 - https://physicsessays.org/browse-journal-2/product/1667-12-alexandre-georges-incompatibility-between-einstein-s-general-relativity-and-heisenberg-s-uncertainty-principle.html


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