The Historical and Physical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics

This textbook explores the historical development of quantum mechanics, tracing its roots from ancient Greek philosophical ideas to its scientific realization in the 19th and 20th centuries. It examines primary sources and their influence, placing the theory in its historical context and discussing its current state and applications in quantum information and computing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 768 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Quantum mechanics is a fundamental theory that has revolutionized our understanding of the physical world. Its development has been a complex and intricate journey, marked by numerous breakthroughs and controversies. In this textbook, we aim to retrace the development of quantum mechanics by investigating primary sources, including original published papers and letters. We will focus on the timing and influence of these sources, as well as the philosophical notions that shaped the theory's early development.

From the nascent philosophical notions of matter, atoms, and void in Ancient Greece to their scientific realization in the 19th and 20th centuries, quantum mechanics has undergone a remarkable transformation. The contributions of numerous scientists, including Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, and Werner Heisenberg, have played a pivotal role in shaping the theory.

However, the development of quantum mechanics has also been accompanied by perceived limitations and challenges. These include the uncertainty principle, which states that the precise measurement of a particle's momentum and position simultaneously is impossible, and the wave-particle duality, which suggests that particles can exhibit both wave-like and particle-like properties.

In the current state of the field, quantum mechanics continues to be a subject of intense research and exploration. Researchers are working to refine and extend the theory, as well as to apply it to new areas such as quantum information and computing. Quantum computing, in particular, has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including cryptography, drug discovery, and materials science.

Overall, the development of quantum mechanics has been a fascinating and complex journey that has led to profound insights into the nature of the physical world. By investigating primary sources and placing the theory in its historical context, we can better understand its origins, limitations, and potential applications.

In conclusion, this textbook aims to retrace the development of quantum mechanics by investigating primary sources and placing it in its historical context. By understanding the theory's origins, limitations, and potential applications, we can better appreciate the profound impact that quantum mechanics has had on our understanding of the physical world.

Weight: 1598g
Dimension: 246 x 192 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198822196