The Eve of the Battle of Photoelectric Benefit
Looking back at what we have said before, we have solved the two big dark clouds of quantum mechanics: the photoelectric effect and black body radiation. But this time we are about to face a huge question: Is light a wave or a particle? Didn't Maxwell explain that light is a kind of electromagnetic wave very well before? So what is the light quantum this time? ? Thomas Young’s double-slit interference seemed to have encountered his old opponent, and Maxwell’s equations began to stop fishing and take this issue seriously. The hypothesis of light quantum is that energy is part by part and discrete, which is completely inconsistent with the light in classical mechanics as a wave. These two opponents are once again standing on the stage of history. Waves and particles, either you die or I die. Without you, I stand here alone. Why? It's time for a real battle!
This time the particle army has only one weapon of the photoelectric effect, but many experiments done so far have proved the correctness of the conclusions of the photoelectric effect, such as Compton's research on X-rays. The success of these experiments greatly enhanced the combat capabilities of the particle army, enabling them to compete with the wave theory army. The third wave-particle war broke out. Although the particle army was aggressive, the photoelectric effect and the Compton effect made the wave army retreat, but how can the wave army, which has experienced many battles, give up? Maxwell made the entire classic mechanics shine. The double-slit interference experiment radiated infinite power at the top of the classic mechanics building. Although the Poisson bright spot has been dusted in the book, as long as you need it, it will be your solid foundation. Backing. Wave Legion! You can't retreat anymore, because behind you is Moscow! The collapse of wave theory means the complete collapse of the entire classical mechanics, and the entire edifice of classical mechanics will collapse!
After the Volatility Army stabilized, it re-examined this issue: Although the low-profit army is aggressive, they lack depth and durability. The perfection of the photoelectric effect theory involves the determination of frequency and wavelength. what? Wavelength and frequency? Isn't that the theory of wave theory?
The battle quickly fell into a stalemate. Both sides have their own good shows, but neither can refute the other side's point of view and cannot find a correct theory. Now let the two sides confront each other in the middle door for a while. After Einstein proposed the quantum theory of light, quantum mechanics began to be valued. The photoelectric effect and black body radiation are just a sign. The Doppler effect, the crystal structure, the movement of gas molecules, and X-rays have all seen major breakthroughs. One day, the humble word quantum will become A household name.
So, let's start a sideline and take a look at the upcoming story of a Danish prince. At this time, the cornerstone of physics has begun to fall away. After the first Solvay Conference, many physicists have begun their own research and intend to focus on one ultimate goal: Is light profit or wave? Let us take a look at the prince from Denmark: what kind of sparks Niels Bohr will create with the photon, and what impact will it have on the photoelectric warfare.