We explain what quantum mechanics is and its studies in this regard. Also, what does relativistic mechanics consist of?
What is quantum mechanics?
Quantum mechanics the branch of the physics contemporary dedicated to the study of objects and forces on a very small spatial scale, that is, of matter at the level of the atom and the particles that compose it, as well as the movements that characterize them.
Quantum mechanics is the most recent branch of physics, developed during the 20th century along with the theory of relativity although most of its formulations are after 1920. These two fields of understanding of the universe are the pillars of modern physics, although they do not start from common principles and a unifying theory (or “theory of everything”) is still required. “) to reconcile them.
The starting point of quantum mechanics It is made up of the studies of the Frenchman Louis de Broglie, who formulated the law that dictates the simultaneously corpuscular (body) and wave (wave) movement of subatomic particles. This caused this discipline to initially be known as wave mechanics.
However, this would not have been possible without the previous developments of Max Planck, who hypothesized that light (electromagnetic radiation) was absorbed and emitted by matter as how many (from English quantum) of light (today called photons) according to Planck's Constant. This was the first quantum development in history, demonstrating the possibility of wave-particle duality.
The applications of the development of this field not only revolutionized physics, but also chemistry and other related areas. This set of scientific experiences has allowed the study of the atom, the particles that compose it (electrons, quarks and gluons) and all elementary particles in general. Likewise, with quantum mechanics a very extensive technological development became possible.
Relativistic mechanics
Relativistic mechanics is the branch of physics that It is governed by the Theory of Relativity formulated by Albert Einstein at the beginning of the 20th century. It is based on two major publications: the theory of special relativity (1905) and the theory of general relativity (1915). These theories postulated the resolution of the traditional incompatibility between the theories of Isaac Newton (classical or Newtonian mechanics) and those of James Clerk Maxwell (electromagnetism).
The theory of special relativity deals with the movement of bodies in the absence of gravity forces for which it was necessary to reformulate certain laws of motion. In the theory of general relativity, on the other hand, the main focus of theoretical reflection was the concept of gravity itself, replacing that formulated by Newton centuries ago and allowing a non-inertial approach (without universal reference) to physical systems.
This is summarized in a simple postulate: the location of a physical phenomenon in time and space depends, above all, on the movement of its observer. This means that length, time and other variables until then considered universal and absolute simply were not, and therefore can vary depending on the conditions in which they are observed.
This theory of physics should not be confused with the possibility of interpreting a phenomenon from multiple real perspectives, nor does it have anything to do with formulations regarding truth or history. It is also not true that this theory is “just a hypothesis.” It is a explanation supported by experimental evidence.
