History of Quantum Theory:
Discovery of Quantum Theory came about in the 1900’s. Quantum Theory first came about when the German Physicist Max Planck published his revolutionary study of the effect of radiation on a substance. Quantum Theory is a theory that is based on using the concept of a unit known as quantum, and describing the dynamic properties of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) and the interaction of matter and radiation. By doing experiments, Planck found that energy can display characteristics of physical matter. This was significant because according to other theories of physics energy is a continuous wave-like occurrence that does not have characteristics of physical matter. Planck’s theory basically stated that radiant energy is made up of particle-like components known as quantum. Thus this started the theory of quantum. Plank’s theory helped to resolve many previously unexplained occurrences such as the behavior of heat in solids and the nature of light absorption. Planck was awarded the noble peace prize for his discovery. By Planck setting up the foundation for quantum theory, other scientists were able to advance his theory even more. This was significant because according to other theories of physics energy is a continuous wave-like occurrence that does not have characteristics of physical matter. Planck’s theory basically stated that radiant energy is made up of particle-like components known as quantum. Thus this started the theory of quantum. Plank’s theory helped to resolve many previously unexplained occurrences such as the behavior of heat in solids and the nature of light absorption. Planck was awarded the noble peace prize for his discovery. By Planck setting up the foundation for quantum theory, other scientists were able to advance his theory even more.(Quantum theory, 2007)
Discovery of Quantum Theory came about in the 1900’s. Quantum Theory first came about when the German Physicist Max Planck published his revolutionary study of the effect of radiation on a substance. Quantum Theory is a theory that is based on using the concept of a unit known as quantum, and describing the dynamic properties of subatomic particles (protons, neutrons, and electrons) and the interaction of matter and radiation. By doing experiments, Planck found that energy can display characteristics of physical matter. This was significant because according to other theories of physics energy is a continuous wave-like occurrence that does not have characteristics of physical matter. Planck’s theory basically stated that radiant energy is made up of particle-like components known as quantum. Thus this started the theory of quantum. Plank’s theory helped to resolve many previously unexplained occurrences such as the behavior of heat in solids and the nature of light absorption. Planck was awarded the noble peace prize for his discovery. By Planck setting up the foundation for quantum theory, other scientists were able to advance his theory even more. This was significant because according to other theories of physics energy is a continuous wave-like occurrence that does not have characteristics of physical matter. Planck’s theory basically stated that radiant energy is made up of particle-like components known as quantum. Thus this started the theory of quantum. Plank’s theory helped to resolve many previously unexplained occurrences such as the behavior of heat in solids and the nature of light absorption. Planck was awarded the noble peace prize for his discovery. By Planck setting up the foundation for quantum theory, other scientists were able to advance his theory even more.(Quantum theory, 2007)
- Some of these scientist's were Niels Bohr, Ernest Rutherford, and even Albert Einstein. Each of these scientists and many more were able to make possible the development of quantum mechanics. Quantum mechanics is a mathematical application of the quantum theory that deals with the motion and interaction of subatomic particles, quantization energy, wave-particle duality, and the uncertainty principle.Albert Einstein’s contribution to quantum mechanics was that he used Planck's idea of the quantum, in order to explain some of the certain properties of the photoelectric effect. The photoelectric effect is an occurrence that involves electricity and electromagnetic radiation such as photoemission. Photoemission is when electrons are emitted from metal surfaces when they are hit by radiation. (The Birth of Quantum Theory, 2014)
In 1911 Ernest Rutherford discovered that the atom is composed of mostly empty space except for the center of the atom which he found contains a nucleus. This was an extremely important discovery because now new models of the atom were able to be made. Rutherford was able to discover that the atom has a nucleus because he shot ray of alpha particles at a thin sheet of gold foil, and instead of the particles passing through the gold sheet some of them were reflected because the nucleus is positive and positive charges repel positive charges.
- Rutherford's discovery led to the scientist Neil's Bohr discovery of how an atoms electrons move in fixed orbits they are not randomly around the nucleus. This once again led to the discovery of more improved atomic structures. The uncertainty principle was formulated by the German physicist Werner Heisenberg in 1972. It states that the position and momentum of a subatomic particle cannot be identified at the same time. (Ernest Rutherford, 2010)
Theory of everything:
The Theory of everything is unified into four basic physical forces known as the strong force, weak force, gravity and electromagnetism. Physicists believe that we are on the verge of developing a single theory that will untie all of science. This is basically talking about the general theory of relativity and quantum theory. In particular the theory would unify all of the fundamental physical forces in our universe. The forces are known as gravity which keeps the planets revolving around the sun and keeps all of the stars and galaxies together.There is electromagnetism which involves light, heat, electricity, and magnetism and which is also known for keeping atoms together.The other one is the weak nuclear force which is responsible for radioactive decay.Last there is the strong nuclear force which hold the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus which is extremely important to the stability of matter. As of right now physicist have four separate theories for each of these forces but they would like to have one unified theory for all of them. (Theory of Everything, 1995)
The Theory of everything is unified into four basic physical forces known as the strong force, weak force, gravity and electromagnetism. Physicists believe that we are on the verge of developing a single theory that will untie all of science. This is basically talking about the general theory of relativity and quantum theory. In particular the theory would unify all of the fundamental physical forces in our universe. The forces are known as gravity which keeps the planets revolving around the sun and keeps all of the stars and galaxies together.There is electromagnetism which involves light, heat, electricity, and magnetism and which is also known for keeping atoms together.The other one is the weak nuclear force which is responsible for radioactive decay.Last there is the strong nuclear force which hold the protons and neutrons together in the nucleus which is extremely important to the stability of matter. As of right now physicist have four separate theories for each of these forces but they would like to have one unified theory for all of them. (Theory of Everything, 1995)
APA Citations:
- Chemical Heritage Foundation. (2010). Ernest Rutherford. Retrieved from. http://www.chemheritage.org/discover/online-resources/chemistry-in-history/themes/atomic-and-nuclear-structure/rutherford.aspx
- Quantum Theory.(2007). Retrieved from. http://dwb.unl.edu/Teacher/NSF/C04/C04Links/www.fwkc.com/encyclopedia/low/articles/q/q021000030f.html
- History.com (2014). The Birth of Quantum Theory. Retrieved from. http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-birth-of-quantum-theory
- A Theory of Everything. (1995). Retrieved from.http://www.pbs.org/faithandreason/intro/purpotoe-frame.html