Quantum mechanics is an area of knowledge that is essential to the field of physics, yet many physicists choose not to delve into its foundations. Specialist Ana María Cetto Kramis stated in a conference organized by the National Council of Humanities, Sciences and Technologies (Conahcyt) that physicists often avoid thinking about the foundations of quantum mechanics because they believe it will distract them from their calculations, experiments, and practical applications of the theory. They fear facing consequences like a halt in publishing or being punished for exploring the theories deeply.
The theory of quantum mechanics studies atomic and subatomic systems along with their interactions with electromagnetic radiation and other forces. This theory observes all forms of energy that are released in discrete units or packages known as quanta. Almost a century ago, in the early 1900s, notable physicists such as Werner Karl Heisenberg and Erwin Rudolf Josef Alexander Schrödinger made significant contributions to quantum mechanics by formulating new models and theories. Their work laid the foundation for understanding the behavior of elementary particles and atoms.
Quantum mechanics has proven its predictive capacity and has been applied in various fields such as information technology, cryptography, and chemistry. However, it is regarded as an incomplete theory as it only describes phenomena without fully understanding their causes. Some of the mysteries surrounding quantum mechanics include atomic stability, wave-particle duality, nonlocality, and the collapse of PSI. These aspects challenge our understanding of the essence of the theory and its application in real-world scenarios.
Niels Bohr’s postulates shed light on atomic stability by proposing that electrons occupy quantized orbits and do not radiate while jumping instantly between orbits. These postulates pose questions about the behavior of electrons and their interactions within atomic structures. Resolving these mysteries is crucial in completing the theory and advancing scientific knowledge.
Specialists like Ana María Cetto Kramis have dedicated years to investigating the foundational aspects of quantum mechanics in search of a complete theory. By characterizing the stochastic processes within quantum mechanics, researchers aim to bridge the gaps in our understanding of this complex yet fundamental area of physics.