100 Years of Quantum Mechanics: Heisenberg, Schrödinger, and Many More
St Petersburg University Representative Office in Spain invites you to join the lecture "100 Years of Quantum Mechanics: Heisenberg, Schrödinger, and Beyond" delivered by Anton Sheykin, a theoretical physicist and Senior Lecturer at SPbU.
The quantum hypothesis, introduced by Planck in 1900, led to a 25-years of deliberations among physicists. The processes of light emission and absorption in atoms could not be explained by conventional laws of mechanics and electromagnetism. The atomic model introduced by E. Rutherford and developed by N. Bohr contradicted principles of classical electrodynamics. It revealed that the emission of light is associated with a quantum jump that changes electron state.
In 1925, the scientific world was shaken by a revolution, one that was on par with the invention of the theory of relativity. Working separately and using different methods, two scientists, Werner Heisenberg and Erwin Schrödinger, developed a theory that substantiated N. Bohr’s atomic model and described the quantum behaviour of electrons in atoms. Initially, Heisenberg’s matrix mechanics and Schrödinger’s wave mechanics seemed disparate, but it was quickly revealed that both were different facets of the same theory: quantum mechanics.
The lecture will address following questions:
- How did Heisenberg and Schrödinger manage to unravel the mysteries of quantum jumps?
- What were the fundamental differences between their theories?
- How did quantum theory evolve after their inventions?
- What is the significance of quantum mechanics for the philosophy of science and our world perception?
Lecturer
Anton Sheykin is a Senior Lecturer of the Department of High Energy and Elementary Particles Physics at St Petersburg University. As the winner of 2021 Znanie (Knowledge in Russian) Society Award in the category of "Teacher — Enlightener of the Year", the physicist not only teaches, but also contributes to popularisation of science. His academic interests are primarily focused on gravity and geometric methods in physics.
The meeting will be held online in Russian with simultaneous translation into Spanish as part of the events to mark the 300th anniversary of St Petersburg University.