The physical interpretation of wave mechanics. I

Ludwig J�nossy

D. H. Delphenich

The basic physical problems that necessitated the emergence of quantum physics are summarized, along with the elements of wave mechanics and its traditional statistical interpretation. Alternative interpretations to the statistical one, such as the hydrodynamical and optical interpretations, nonlinear waves and nonlinear electrodynamics, and the conception of spacetime as an ordered medium are reviewed.

Louis Victor Pierre Raymond

Mario Bunge

A survey is made of the hitherto proposed answers to the following crucial questions arising in the physical interpretation of the mathematical formalism of wave mechanics: (I) What is the meaning of the dynamical variables and of their eigenvalues? (II) What is the meaning of the wave function? (III) What is the nature and origin of Heisenberg's uncertainty relations? (IV) What is the nature of the systems dealt with by wave mechanics? Taking into account the interpretations that have been proposed in the last few years, a surprisingly large number of answers is found. The present situation in quantum mechanics is compared with similar crises in the past history of physics. The mere multiplicity of consistent interpretations of quantum mechanics is regarded as a warning against the dogmatic adherence to any one of them, to the exclusion of new possibilities.

Nicolae Mazilu, Maricel Agop, Ioan Mercheş

This concluding chapter of the book presents some key concepts discussed in the book. Scale Relativity Theory (SRT) is a necessary theory of interpretation. With the advent of wave mechanics, the interpretation has been established as a necessity within the core of physics itself. Even if it is possible to eliminate the wave mechanics from our knowledge, the interpretation still cannot be eliminated. The fundamental feature of the concept of interpretation turns out to be the idea of freedom of particles: the wave function is referring to an ensemble of free particles. The approach of the interpretation concept, whereby the wave function is interpreted by ensembles of Hertz free particles, and the potential of forces describes implicitly these forces, is a natural situation according to the very idea of quantization of the wave mechanics. In hindsight, this interpretation warrants the Laurent Nottale’s approach of SRT by geodesic motions description of a fractal fluid.

Louis de Broglie, Joār Andrade e Silva