Analysis of the Nature of Matter
The Evolving Field of Quantum Mechanics
- The field of quantum mechanics is a relatively new field of research, compared to fields in classical mechanics (Newton’s laws, wave theory etc)
- Around 1900, discoveries such as the electron and the gamma photon began to conflict with the existing models scientists held about the nature of matter
- Soon after, new theories about the nature of matter began to emerge from Max Planck, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein, who are seen as the pioneers of Quantum Theory
- Unsurprisingly, the understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of matter has changed over time
- Scientists use the existing models, such as wave theory, to make predictions
- Sometimes the results of their experiments were not as predicted and did not fit with the existing model, for example, the photoelectric effect
- Scientists then have to change the model so that it can explain the new evidence, for example, wave-particle duality
Development of Scientific Theories
- When a new theory is suggested, such as de Broglie’s idea of particles acting as waves, the theory needs to be evaluated
- Other scientists evaluate the theory in a process called peer review
- When enough experimental evidence is found to support the theory, it is validated
- De Broglie’s theory is currently accepted to be correct until any conflicting evidence is found
Peer Review
- Scientists across the world form a scientific community
- Scientific claims from new research that is published in journals must be peer-reviewed or evaluated by other scientists who are experts in that field of science
- During the peer review process, scientists must check:
- Validity – does the research achieve what it says it does? Is the method appropriate and how have any errors been addressed?
- Originality – are the results new or has anyone else already carried out similar research? If so, has their work been credited?
- Significance – are the findings of the research important or ground-breaking?
Evaluating Scientific Claims
- Claims that are from research that is not peer-reviewed should always be questioned
- There could be a multitude of problems. These could be the method used, the accuracy of results or the conclusions drawn
- Research should also be checked that it is:
- Repeatable by the same scientists who carried it out
- Reproducible by other teams of scientists
Timeline of the great advancements in quantum theory since 1900
