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The Quantum-Mechanical Model of an Atom

The Quantum-Mechanical Model of an Atom

Shortly after de Broglie published his ideas that the electron in a hydrogen atom could be better thought of as being a circular standing wave instead of a particle moving in quantized circular orbits, Erwin Schrödinger extended de Broglie’s work by deriving what is now known as the Schrödinger equation. When Schrödinger applied his equation to hydrogen-like atoms, he was able to reproduce Bohr’s expression for the energy and, thus, the Rydberg formula governing hydrogen spectra.

Potential Energy

Potential Energy

The energy stored by a structure and location of matter in space is called potential energy. For instance, raising a kettlebell changes its spatial location and increases its potential energy. Similarly, a stretched rubber band contains potential energy which, under certain conditions, can be converted into other forms of energy, such as kinetic energy.
Chemical bonds that form attractive forces between atoms also contain potential energy, called chemical energy. When a chemical reaction...

Potential Energy

Potential Energy

A conservative force, such as a gravitational or elastic force, gives the body the capacity to do work. This capacity, measured as the potential energy, depends on the body's location or “position” relative to a fixed reference position or datum. The gravitational potential energy is considered zero at the reference point. Suppose a body is located at some vertical distance above a fixed horizontal reference or datum. In that case, the weight of the body has positive gravitational potential...

Potential Due to a Polarized Object

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A neutral atom consists of a positively charged nucleus surrounded by a negatively charged electron cloud. When placed in an external electric field, the external electric force pulls the electrons and nucleus apart, opposite to the intrinsic attraction between the nucleus and the electrons. The opposing forces balance each other with a slight shift between the center of masses of the nucleus and the electron cloud, resulting in a polarized atom. On the other hand, a few molecules, like water,...

The Uncertainty Principle

The Uncertainty Principle

Werner Heisenberg considered the limits of how accurately one can measure properties of an electron or other microscopic particles. He determined that there is a fundamental limit to how accurately one can measure both a particle’s position and its momentum simultaneously. The more accurate the measurement of the momentum of a particle is known, the less accurate the position at that time is known and vice versa. This is what is now called the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. He...

Potential Due to a Magnetized Object

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Magnetic dipoles in magnetic materials are aligned when placed under an external magnetic field. For paramagnets and ferromagnets, dipole alignment occurs in the direction of the magnetic field. However, the dipoles align opposite to the field in the case of diamagnets. This state of magnetic polarization due to the external field is called magnetization. Magnetization is defined as the dipole moment per unit volume. It plays a similar role to polarization in electrostatics.
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Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs

Generation and Coherent Control of Pulsed Quantum Frequency Combs

Published on: June 8, 2018

Quantum potentiality revisited.

¹Quantum Communication and Measurement Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Division of Natural Science and Mathematics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA gsjaeger@gmail.com.

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences

|October 4, 2017

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Heisenberg

Keywords:

chance foundations of quantum theory potentiality quantum measurement quantum measurement problem

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Area of Science:

Quantum mechanics
Philosophy of science

Background:

Heisenberg's quantum mechanics interpretation uses Aristotle's concept of 'potentia'.
The link between Heisenberg's quantum potentiality and Aristotle's notion is often considered merely terminological.
Previous interpretations have overlooked the depth of this philosophical connection.

Purpose of the Study:

To re-examine and specify the relationship between Heisenberg's quantum potentiality and Aristotle's concept.
To elucidate the role of 'potentia' in physical causation and explanation within quantum mechanics.
To offer a deeper understanding of Heisenberg's approach to quantum mechanics.

Main Methods:

Detailed analysis of Aristotle's concept of 'potentia' in physical causation.
Comparison of Heisenberg's interpretation of quantum states with Aristotle's philosophical framework.
Examination of the role of measurement in actualizing quantum potentiality.

Main Results:

Heisenberg's concept of quantum potentiality can be explicated with greater specificity than previously acknowledged.
Heisenberg's requirement for external intervention during measurement aligns with Aristotle's spontaneous causation.
The study clarifies the connection between quantum states, potentiality, and actualization.

Conclusions:

The connection between Heisenberg's quantum potentiality and Aristotle's 'potentia' is more substantive than previously thought.
External intervention in quantum measurement mirrors Aristotle's spontaneous causation.
A teleological understanding of 'potentia' actualization is not required, resolving a neglected aspect of quantum mechanics.