Has quantum theory been explained properly?
The answer is NO. The founder of the theory was Neils Bohr and yet even he didn`t understand it completely. How then did it come about?
All suggestions welcome
I`m as cunning as a fox who has just been made professor of cunning at oxford university
Well, there are lots of quantum theories. You are probably referring to quantum electrodynamics, which deals with electrons and photons and (I think it is fair to say) is what is often referred to as quantum mechanics. There’s quantum chromodynamics, which adds nuclear interactions (quarks and gluons) and with which I’m not very familiar. Then there’s quantum gravity, which is in such a state of flux as to its basic formulation that it’s very difficult for physicists to explain to each other.
Assuming quantum electrodynamics, the answer to your question depends on what you mean by “properly”. I can interpret that at least four ways:
“Explained properly” means cast as a consistent mathematical formulation that yields correct answers under specified conditions. Given this interpretation the answer is a resounding yes.
“Explained properly” means interpreted in a way that can be understood in terms of everyday experiences but does not explain the fine details of what really happens. Given this interpretation, the answer is that I think so. See QED - The Strange Theory of Light and Matter by Richard Feynman.
“Explained properly” means understood and explained in detail, step by step, with every occurrence specified. Given this interpretation, probably not. There are conflicting interpretations. There’s the “Copenhagen interpretation”, which sort of says that nothing really happens until we make a measurement, then the “wave function” “collapses” and a particular possible outcome occurs (such as the famous indeterminacy of the state of Schrödinger’s cat until you look in the box). There’s the “many worlds” interpretation which sort of says that everything happens and what you see depends on which of the “trouser legs of time” (Terry Pratchett) you happen to be sliding down. I am partial to Feynman’s interpretation (I don’t know if there’s a catch-phrase name for it, but it’s discussed in “QED”) which sort of says that whatever happens is so far outside of our everyday experience that we haven’t a prayer of understanding it; all we can do is accept that when we turn the mathematical crank, the correct answers come out. No matter what interpretation you choose, whatever really happens is weirder than a snake’s suspenders.
"Explained properly"means understood and explained so we know why things are as they are. Given this ineterpretation, the answer is no. Many would argue that the answer to “why?” is not the province of the theory itself, but rather belongs in a “meta-theory” that is about the theory.
One could also argue whether or not Neils Bohr was “the founder” of the theory. Irregardless, he certainly did understand it mathematically and probably understood it on other levels. There’s a nice discussion of the early history at The Quantum Age Begins.
jrf
I recommend In Search of Schroedinger’s Cat by John Gribben. You should be able to understand how quantum theory arose if you read that book.
I recommend In Search of Schroedinger’s Cat by John Gribben. You should be able to understand how quantum theory arose if you read that book.
I recommend In Search of Schroedinger’s Cat by John Gribben. You should be able to understand how quantum theory arose if you read that book.
quantum theory noun (1912)
: a theory in physics based on the concept of the subdivision of radiant energy into finite quanta and applied to numerous processes involving transference or transformation of energy in an atomic or molecular scale
©1996 Zane Publishing, Inc. and Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. All rights reserved.
Quantum theory began with the work of Max Planck, explaining the radiation profile of hot black bodies. Niels Bohr certainly added to the theory, as did hundreds of others, but if you want to name a founder, it’s Planck.
Also, Bohr couldn’t “understand it completely” since his work was in the early part of the century. Lots has happened since then that has increased understanding, but it ain’t over yet.
From a philosophical standpoint, it would be hard to mention anything that anyone understands completely. Especially in the sense of JonF’s #4.