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History of Quantum Mechanics Explained

This document provides a historical background on quantum mechanics. It discusses that in the late 19th century, classical physics was thought to fully explain the world through Newton's laws and deterministic predictions. However, several experiments involving blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, discrete atomic spectra, and electrons as subatomic particles could not be explained by classical physics. This led to the inescapable conclusions that atoms are not the most microscopic objects and Newton's laws do not apply at the microscopic level of electrons. As a result, a new theory called quantum mechanics emerged, which is probabilistic rather than deterministic and describes the rules that apply to electrons in atoms and molecules.

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8 views2 pages

History of Quantum Mechanics Explained

This document provides a historical background on quantum mechanics. It discusses that in the late 19th century, classical physics was thought to fully explain the world through Newton's laws and deterministic predictions. However, several experiments involving blackbody radiation, the photoelectric effect, discrete atomic spectra, and electrons as subatomic particles could not be explained by classical physics. This led to the inescapable conclusions that atoms are not the most microscopic objects and Newton's laws do not apply at the microscopic level of electrons. As a result, a new theory called quantum mechanics emerged, which is probabilistic rather than deterministic and describes the rules that apply to electrons in atoms and molecules.

Uploaded by

N4dra
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Quantum Mechanics Lecture # 1 Page 1

Quantum Mechanics – Historical Background


Physics in the Late 19th Century (prior to quantum mechanics (QM))

• Atoms are basic constituents of matter

• Newton’s Laws apply universally

• The world is deterministic

According to classical mechanics (CM):

!
! !
Given initial positions r0 and velocities v 0 , and given all forces F t () ⇒

all the future can be predicted!

! !
!
F
⎛
! dv ⎞

!
() ! !
v t
v t = ∫ ! dv ′ = ∫
dt′ ⎜
F
= ma = m ⎟
v0 t0 m ⎝ dt ⎠
!
!
⎛
dr ! ⎞
!
() ∫ !
r t !
r t = ! dr′ =
∫
vdt′ ⎜
=
v ⎟

r0 t0 ⎝ dt ⎠

Physics was complete except for a few decimal places !

• Newtonian mechanics explained macroscopic behavior of


matter -- planetary motion, fluid flow, elasticity, etc.

• Thermodynamics had its first two laws and most of their


consequences

• Basic statistical mechanics had been applied to chemical


systems

• Light was explained as an electromagnetic wave

Docents: Ali Amran, Ph.D & Deski Beri, [Link] Physical Chemistry 3
Quantum Mechanics Lecture # 1 Page 2

⎯ However there were several experiments that could not be explained


by classical physics and the accepted dogma !

• Blackbody radiation

• Photoelectric effect

• Discrete atomic spectra

• The electron as a subatomic particle

⎯ Inescapable conclusions would result from these problems

• Atoms are not the most microscopic objects

• Newton’s laws do not apply to the microscopic world of the


electron

OUTCOME ⇒ New Rules!!!

Quantum Mechanics!

• Describes rules that apply to electrons in atoms and molecules

• Non-deterministic, probabilistic ! A new philosophy of nature

⎯ Explains unsolved problems of late 19th century physics

⎯ Explains bonding, structure, and reactivity in chemistry

Docents: Ali Amran, Ph.D & Deski Beri, [Link] Physical Chemistry 3

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