The Beginning of Quantum Physics | Term Paper | Physics

The beginning of quantum physics, as a field of study, has been attributed to a paper written by Max Planck on the topic of blackbody radiation. Development within the field was done by various scientists, including Albert Einstein, Max Planck, Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrodinger, Niels Bohr and others. Let’s meet Max Planck and see how his work really opened up Quantum Physics to the scientific community.

The Earth and the Universe, in particular matter and energy that are their building blocks, are governed according to the various laws of physics. No matter where we go or what we do, these physical laws are always in force and remain absolute.

These physical processes govern how matter and energy can be transformed and its behavior in various situations where they interact with other elements or forces. Yet beyond the physical aspects of the world we can see, there is another microscopic world operating under its own set of laws, also governing the behavior of matter and energy. Scientists describe this set of laws in a group of theories known as Quantum Physics, or the study of how matter and energy behave on the atomic, nuclear and even smaller microscopic levels.

Quantum is Latin for “how much”. In Quantum Physics, the quantum describes the various discrete or distinct units of energy and matter that are predicted by or observed on a microscopic level. This field of study began as scientists gained the technological tools to measure the world even more precisely, particularly the world that is not visible to the naked eye.

In 1874, Max Planck, a scientist who had conducted experiments in the diffusion of hydrogen through the heated medium of platinum before turning to theoretical physics, turned his attention to the ultraviolet catastrophe. This problem was based around the Raymond-Jeans formula, which was used to measure thermal radiation.

This radiation is actually an electromagnetic radiation that objects produce based entirely on the object’s temperature. However, the Raymond-Jeans formula was not successful at actually predicting the results of various experiments. By 1900, this formula was causing trouble for classical physics questioning the basic concepts of thermodynamics and electromagnetics, which were part of the equation. Planck reasoned the formula projected low-wavelength radiancy (otherwise known as high frequency) was significantly higher than it should be.

Thus, he proposed that if one could limit the high-frequency oscillations in atoms, the corresponding radiancy of high-frequency waves would also be condensed, which would allow for consistent experimental results. This is the first example, although not the last, of scientists in Quantum Physics working to create mathematical equations that would explain what they were seeing in the natural world and through their experiments.

Planck suggested that atoms themselves can absorb or discharge energy only in specific bundles called quanta. If the energy and radiation frequency are proportional, then at higher frequencies the energy would likewise become larger. It is not possible for a standing wave to produce an energy bigger than kT.

Thus, the standing wave’s high-frequency radiancy is capped. By creating a cap, the problem of the ultraviolet catastrophe is resolved. While Planck may not have believed quanta was a true physical requirement, but it was a mathematical artifact that helped equations to fit the reality they were measuring.

His work provided a fundamental concept for physics, that energy exists in distinct packets that cannot be broken down any further. For example, Einstein used this concept to explain photoelectric effect in 1905, thus helping to establish the concept of the photon.

However, Planck assumed that the Copenhagen interpretation was flawed and eventually, a better theory would replace his concept without the troublesome aspects of quantum theory. Instead, his work and reputation helped to cement the controversial theory of relativity as proposed by Albert Einstein.

These interpretations and theories are represented as such, because while there are many different explanations of how particles and other aspects of Quantum Physics work, it can be hard to prove which explanation is the correct.

“A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents and making them see the light, but rather because its opponents eventually die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.” – Max Planck as quoted by philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn in The Structure of Scientific Revolutions.  

So what makes Quantum Physics so special within the broader scope of Physics itself? To answer that, it’s important to remember that Quantum Physics uses math to explain how energy and matter behave. In other sciences, the observation of an experiment or a phenomenon does not influence the processes taking place.

Yet with Quantum Physics, observation does influence the processes, because the equations are developed to explain what was observed. It’s the scientists’ observations that guide the overall development and the adjustments of the mathematical equations that are the brains of Quantum Physics.