It is argued that the wave-mechanical formalism that serves as the basis of quantum theory is fundamentally flawed on several counts. Primarily, the de Broglie equation is manifestly invalid as it implies that even macroscopic objects would acquire a substantial wavelength as they approach resting velocities. Furthermore, ostensible diffraction phenomena are not only logically dubious but also amenable to alternative explanations (including in the case of Newton’s rings). A subliminal thread apparently links diverse observations via the standing-wave idea, with the Planck treatment of black body radiation likely having inspired the particle-in-a-box model, which serves as the gateway to quantum chemistry via a quantum mechanical analogue of the Bohr orbits. These arguments apparently indicate that quantum theory is best regarded as an empirical model for dealing with certain natural phenomena, but also raise epistemological questions as to whether natural phenomena can at all be modelled by exact theories.
It is argued that the wave-mechanical formalism that serves as the basis of quantum theory is fundamentally flawed on several counts. Primarily, the de Broglie equation is manifestly invalid as it implies that even macroscopic objects would acquire a substantial wavelength as they approach resting velocities. Furthermore, ostensible diffraction phenomena are not only logically dubious but also amenable to alternative explanations (including in the case of Newton’s rings). A subliminal thread apparently links diverse observations via the standing-wave idea, with the Planck treatment of black body radiation likely having inspired the particle-in-a-box model, which serves as the gateway to quantum chemistry via a quantum mechanical analogue of the Bohr orbits. These arguments apparently indicate that quantum theory is best regarded as an empirical model for dealing with certain natural phenomena, but also raise epistemological questions as to whether natural phenomena can at all be modelled by exact theories.
It is argued that the key concepts of quantum theory—Planck’s quantum proposal, de Broglie’s wave–particle dualism and Schrodinger’s wave function idea—are neither incontestable nor integrated seamlessly into the fabric of quantum theory. In fact, it is doubtful whether classical wave treatments can serve as the basis for analysing (purported) matter waves at all. Also, an element of circular reasoning apparently surrounds the wave function concept, as the Hamiltonian-based Schrodinger equation is constrained to lead to the discrete solutions that represent quantization. These ambiguities appear particularly damning against the backdrop of the dubious Rayleigh–Jeans–Planck analysis of black body radiation, and the discredited evidence for the wave theory of radiation (based on purported diffraction phenomena). These considerations raise intriguing questions about the role of mathematical modelling in the study of natural phenomena (not to mention certain pedagogical quandaries). Thus, quantum theory—cloaked though it is in forbidding mathematical rigor—must submit to a dispassionate analysis of its extent and compass, particularly in view of its ostensible subversion of common-sense notions of reality.
Intriguing questions from the early history of quantum theory (QT) raise serious doubts about the accepted theory of black body radiation. (The Planck theory builds on the apparently flawed Rayleigh-Jeans approach.) Furthermore, the validity of the theory of diffraction, the basis of the wave theory of radiation and matter, seems uncertain. Together, these raise fundamental questions about the foundations of QT and its current status. The apparently symbiotic relationship between QT and the theory of atomic and molecular structure, a key paradigm of modern scientific thought, may be a misleading indicator of the validity of QT. The protocols deriving from the Schrodinger equation lead to quantized states, but only along with certain assumptions. It is argued that QT applies uniquely to the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter, and that its scope is not universal: thus, it is best regarded as a quasi-empirical formalism. It is possible that the uncertainty surrounding QT is a legacy of the troubled historical period during which it was founded. This apparently has fascinating implications for the history and philosophy of science in general.
The results of Bohr model can be used to explain the motion of macroscopic objects or big objects (like orbiting planets and sun, falling stone etc.). These macroscopic objects have essentially a particle nature and Newtonian laws of motion can be applied on them. But it fails when applied to explain the motion of microscopic objects or small objects (like electrons, atoms, molecules etc.). This is because: According to Bohr model, an orbit is a well-defined path and this path can completely be defined only if both the position and velocity of the electron are known exactly at the same time. But this is not possible according to the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Thus, Bohr model contradicts the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle . According to Bohr model, an electron is regarded as a charged particle moving in well-defined circular orbits concentric about the nucleus. The wave character of the electron is not considered. Thus, Bohr model ignores the de-Broglie dual nature of matter .
The results of Bohr model can be used to explain the motion of macroscopic objects or big objects (like orbiting planets and sun, falling stone etc.). These macroscopic objects have essentially a particle nature and Newtonian laws of motion can be applied on them. But it fails when applied to explain the motion of microscopic objects or small objects (like electrons, atoms, molecules etc.). This is because: According to Bohr model, an orbit is a well-defined path and this path can completely be defined only if both the position and velocity of the electron are known exactly at the same time. But this is not possible according to the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle. Thus, Bohr model contradicts the Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle . According to Bohr model, an electron is regarded as a charged particle moving in well-defined circular orbits concentric about the nucleus. The wave character of the electron is not considered. Thus, Bohr model ignores the de-Broglie dual nature of matter .
It is argued that the de Broglie wave is not the wave usually supposed, but the relativistically induced modulation of an underlying carrier wave that moves with the velocity of the particle. In the rest frame of the particle this underlying structure has the form of a standing wave. De Broglie also assumed the existence of this antecedent standing wave, but it would appear that he failed to notice its survival as a carrier wave in the Lorentz transformed wave structure. Identified as a modulation, the de Broglie wave acquires a physically reasonable ontology, evidencing a more natural unity between matter and radiation than might otherwise be contemplated, and avoiding the necessity of recovering the particle velocity from a superposition of such waves. Because the Schrödinger and other wave equations for massive particles were conceived as equations for the de Broglie wave, this interpretation of the wave is also relevant to such issues in quantum mechanics as the meaning of the wave function, the nature of wave-particle duality, and the possibility of well-defined particle trajectories.
This chapter provides a basis for an insight into the nature of quantum effects. The Newtonian approach cannot explain diffraction phenomena. The wave theory of the nature of light proposed by Huygens was able to account for these phenomena as well as for geometric optics. Planck was not only able to overcome the difficulties encountered by his predecessors, but included their findings as special cases of his analysis. Planck considered that the radiating surface was composed of electric dipole oscillators, and that a relationship should exist between the energy of the radiation and the frequency of the oscillators. According to classical theory a continuous spectrum is expected when matter is excited by an arc, or spark, as in spectroscopy. It is found experimentally that only “lines”, or discrete radiations, occur when the light is diffracted. Bohr’s revolutinary ideas provided a significant portion of the bases for the modern understanding of spectra and, consequently, of atomic structure.