Quantum
Early History | Planck's Contribution | Einstein's Contribution | Bohr Atom | Wave Mechanics | Matrix Mechanics | Quantum Meaning | Uncertainty | Quantum Results | Developments | The Future | Two Holes | Quantum Time Waits for No CosmosSchrödinger subsequently succeeded in showing that wave mechanics and matrix mechanics are different mathematical versions of the same theory, now called quantum mechanics. Even for the simple hydrogen atom, which consists of two particles, both mathematical interpretations are extremely complex. The next simplest atom, helium, has three particles, and even in the relatively simple mathematics of classical dynamics, the three-body problem (that of describing the mutual interactions of three separate bodies) is not entirely soluble. The energy levels can be calculated accurately, however, even if not exactly. In applying quantum-mechanics mathematics to relatively complex situations, a physicist can use one of a number of mathematical formulations. The choice depends on the convenience of the formulation for obtaining suitable approximate solutions.
Although quantum mechanics describes the atom purely in terms of mathematical interpretations of observed phenomena, a rough verbal description can be given of what the atom is now thought to be like. Surrounding the nucleus is a series of stationary waves; these waves have crests at certain points, each complete standing wave representing an orbit. The absolute square of the amplitude of the wave at any point is a measure of the probability that an electron will be found at that point at any given time. Thus, an electron can no longer be said to be at any precise point at any given time.
Quantum
Early History | Planck's Contribution | Einstein's Contribution | Bohr Atom | Wave Mechanics | Matrix Mechanics | Quantum Meaning | Uncertainty | Quantum Results | Developments | The Future | Two Holes | Quantum Time Waits for No Cosmos