Experimental Basis of Quantum Theory

E. Cartmell, GERALD W. A. FOWLES

Richard Lawrence Norman, Jeremy Dunning-Davies

Quantum scale “uncertainty” effects limiting measurement accuracy appear to reflect the actual properties of quantum particles as has been well substantiated in numerous experimental examples. However, the concept of uncertainty appears to lack any clear physical basis and stands as an effects descriptor, not as a causal description of actual particulate physical properties. The famous EPR paradox is examined, assessed and placed into current perspective then new theory is presented defining the functional causal basis of observed uncertainty effects. Lastly, experimental evidence will be presented in support of this new model.

R. McWeeny

Ram Yatan Prasad, Pranita

This chapter deals with the important experimental studies on black-body radiation, Wein’s law, Rayleigh–Jeans law, Planck’s distribution law, etc. The black-body radiation studies reveal that the maximum wavelength of radiation 1 is inversely proportional to temperature T . The expression for Wein’s law has been deduced on the basis of thermodynamic considerations. The law gives a clue to understand that it holds true only at low temperatures and short wavelengths. The Rayleigh–Jeans law is based on the general theorem of elasticity and is in excellent quantitative agreement with experimental observations for large wavelengths and high temperatures, leading to ultraviolet ‘catastrophe’. Actually, Max Planck enunciated the correct form of the temperature–radiation law based on some assumptions and finally proposed Planck’s quantum theory. This chapter also explains the photoelectric effect and important conclusions drawn on the basis of experimental facts. Einstein applied the quantum theory to explain the photoelectric effect and to define threshold frequency. On the basis of plot of frequency of radiation versus voltage applied, a linear graph was obtained, which enabled finding the value of Planck’s constant h. The Compton effect has also been written in a lucid manner involving the mathematical formulation from which the Compton shift can easily be obtained. This chapter also details the atomic hydrogen spectrum including Bohr’s model of an atom, energy of electron revolving around the nucleus, radius of an orbit and expression for velocity of electron. It also mentions the drawbacks of Bohr’s theory. References, problems, and questions on this concept are provided at the end of the chapter.

M. A. B. Whitaker

Altayev Namaz Karabalievich

As we know the main results of quantum physics in 1900 Planck began to obtain mainly because of the need to describe the experimental data. Therefore, it further became necessary to obtain theoretical justifications for these results. This means to obtain proofs of these results on the basis of the basic equations of theoretical physics, i.e. equations that are obtained on the way where the right choice of results is made performing the role of the basis of the theory of thought. As is known, these problems began to be solved, taking as a basis the possibilities of the following new ideas of Bohr. That quantum physics should be considered as a generalization of classical physics. But as we know, this path led to the results of matrix mechanics. Results for which such contradiction as non-commutativity of multiplication is inherent. In this paper for obtaining proofs for the results of Planck's quantum physics the fundamental ideas in the field of scientific philosophy were taken as a basis. That is philosophy where from the very beginning for the basis of the theory of thinking the possibilities of equations of algebra and arithmetic are accepted.