|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
Heisenberg¡¦s Indeterminacy Relations: Problems with Newtonian Concepts
As the study of quantum physics and the search to understand the behavior of electrons progressed, there was an increasing debate as to whether electrons were particles or waves. ... Heisenberg begins his paper titled Critique of the Physical Concepts of the Particle Picture by addressing the temptation amongst physicists to relate concepts of macroscopic phenomena to quantum physics. While it is not clear whether or not Heisenberg frowns on the use of such terms as velocity, position and energy in the study of quantum physics, his chapter titled The Indeterminacy Relations gives warning to those who are hasty to employ these terms with certainty.
Heisenberg seems unconcerned about committing himself to either the wave or particle picture; his essay implies both a particle electron and a wave electron. ...
For Heisenberg there are real problems with a wave packet which disintegrates as it travels through space. ... Heisenberg says: ¡§[because] the velocity of the electron likewise corresponds to the velocity of the wave packet¡K no exact velocity can be defined for the wave packet because, as was said, besides its forward motion, it also spreads and disperses itself (pp. ...
Heisenberg is not saying that one cannot define either the speed or the position of the electron; rather, one cannot find both at the same time. ... Whatever the case, Heisenberg doesn¡¦t propose such a theory. ... Indeed, as Heisenberg demonstrates in an experiment, the simple act of observing electron phenomena necessarily interferes with the electron¡¦s behavior. ... Heisenberg says in a chapter titled The Statistical Interpretation of Quantum Theory that in order ¡§to co-ordinate a determinate cause to a determinate effect [we must] observe effect and cause without simultaneously disturbing the process by our intervention¡¨ (p. ... For Heisenberg this is the crux of the problem of quantum physics.
Approximate Word count = 1553
Approximate Pages = 6.2
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|