Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Introduction to Quantum PhysicsQuantum Theory / Wave Mechanics

Introduction to Quantum PhysicsQuantum Theory / Wave Mechanics
From 1900 to 1930 there was a revolution in the foundations of our understanding of light and matter interactions. In 1900 Planck showed that light energy must be emitted and absorbed in discrete 'quanta' to explain blackbody radiation. Then in 1905 Einstein showed that the energy of light is determined by its frequency, where E=hf. Finally, in the late 1920s, de Broglie and Schrodinger introduced the concept of Standing Waves to explain these discrete frequency and energy states of light and matter (standing waves only exist at discrete frequencies and thus energy states).
So it is clear that Waves are central to Quantum Physics and our understanding of the structure and discrete energy states of Matter (which explains why Quantum Theory is also called Quantum Wave Mechanics). As we shall explain, the problems and absurdities of quantum theory have been caused by the continuing assumption of the discrete 'particle' concept for both light and matter, and thus the resulting paradox of the 'Particle / Wave' duality.
As we are dealing with a scientific theory, it is necessary to begin by stating the central Principles of the 'Metaphysics of Space and Motion and the Wave Structure of Matter', which describe how Matter exists in Space as a Spherical Standing Wave and interacts with other Matter in the Space around it. From this foundation we can then deduce the solutions to many problems currently found in Quantum Theory caused by this ancient concept that matter exists as 'particles'.
For example, the obvious solution to the paradox of the particle / wave duality of matter is to realise that the Wave-Center of the Spherical Standing Wave causes the observed 'particle' effects of Matter (see wave diagram below). Likewise, the discrete 'particle' properties of Light (quanta / photons) are caused by Standing Wave interactions which only occur at discrete frequencies and thus energy states.
I think it is useful to end this quantum physics introduction with two very important quotes. Firstly from Erwin Schrodinger;
What we observe as material bodies and forces are nothing but shapes and variations in the structure of space. Particles are just schaumkommen (appearances). The world is given to me only once, not one existing and one perceived. Subject and object are only one. The barrier between them cannot be said to have broken down as a result of recent experience in the physical sciences, for this barrier does not exist. (Erwin Schrodinger, on Quantum Theory)
Because Schrodinger believed in real waves, he was never happy with Max Born's statistical / probability interpretation of the waves that became commonly accepted (and was actively promoted by Heisenberg and Bohr) in Quantum Theory / Mechanics.
Let me say at the outset, that in this discourse, I am opposing not a few special statements of quantum mechanics / quantum theory held today (1950s), I am opposing as it were the whole of it, I am opposing its basic views that have been shaped 25 years ago, when Max Born put forward his probability interpretation, which was accepted by almost everybody. (Schrödinger E, The Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics. Ox Bow Press, Woodbridge, CN, 1995)
I don't like it, and I'm sorry I ever had anything to do with it. (Erwin Schrodinger talking about quantum theory.)
And I very strongly agree with Schrodinger (and greatly respect him) when he writes;
The scientist only imposes two things, namely truth and sincerity, imposes them upon himself and upon other scientists. (Schrodinger)
Secondly, David Bohm provides a clear account of how this incorrect 'particle' conception of matter not only causes harm to the Sciences, but also to the way we think and live, and thus to our very society and its future evolution.
The notion that all these fragments is separately existent is evidently an illusion, and this illusion cannot do other than lead to endless conflict and confusion. Indeed, the attempt to live according to the notion that the fragments are really separate is, in essence, what has led to the growing series of extremely urgent crises that is confronting us today. Thus, as is now well known, this way of life has brought about pollution, destruction of the balance of nature, over-population, world-wide economic and political disorder and the creation of an overall environment that is neither physically nor mentally healthy for most of the people who live in it. Individually there has developed a widespread feeling of helplessness and despair, in the face of what seems to be an overwhelming mass of disparate social forces, going beyond the control and even the comprehension of the human beings who are caught up in it.(David Bohm, Wholeness and the Implicate Order, 1980)

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