Chapter 2 sequence

If one were to select the greatest ages in the history of physics, two periods would surely be included: the end of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the twentieth century.The former is marked by the publication of Newton's "Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy", announcing the official establishment of modern classical physics; while the latter brought us the theory of relativity and quantum theory, and most thoroughly overturned and reconstructed the entire physical system .The difference is that today when we talk about the era of Newton, we are more concerned about the nostalgia and sacrifice of that glorious time; while the theory of relativity and quantum theory still deeply influence and trouble us today, just like The longer you chew two green olives, the more delicious they become.

What I want to tell you here first is the story of quantum theory.This story is more like a legend, starting from an inconspicuous clue, leading to secluded paths, and gradually falling into colorful and dazzling flowers.At a point where there is no clue, suddenly the peak turns, the sky and the earth open up, like a river flowing out of the river, venting into the ocean.However, before we can get a glimpse of the beautiful scenery in the future, there will be ups and downs in a blink of an eye, and we will stray into the depths of the white clouds and find no way back... The history of the development of quantum mechanics is one of the most exciting chapters in physics. We will see the building of physics collapse under the storm , but was baptized and reborn in the raging flames.We will see the most revolutionary thoughts sweeping the earth, bringing shocking lightning and thunder, but at the same time showing shocking beauty.We will see how science struggles through thorns and swamps, but it strengthens its belief in victory.

Quantum theory is a complex and difficult puzzle.She is like a mysterious girl, we meet her every day, but we still can't guess her inner world.Today, in our modern civilization, from computers, televisions, mobile phones to nuclear energy, aerospace, and biotechnology, there is almost no field that does not rely on quantum theory.But what exactly does quantum theory bring us?This question is still difficult to answer.In terms of natural philosophy, quantum theory has brought us unprecedented shock and vibration, and even changed the basic idea of ​​the entire physical world.Its ideas are so revolutionary that even the most unconservative scientist harbors a deep subconscious dread of it.The prosperity of modern civilization is the victory of reason, and quantum theory is undoubtedly one of the highest achievements of reason.But it is so empowered that, for the first time in history, our reason triumphantly sows the seeds of its own destruction.Even Niels Bohr, one of the founders of quantum theory, said: "If anyone is not confused by quantum theory, then he has not understood quantum theory."

Counting by counting, it has been more than 100 years since the creation of quantum theory, but some of its basic ideas are still not well known to the general public.Then, let us go back to that great era, look back at that epic and magnificent revolution again, go through the turbulent waves again, and experience the feeling of dizziness.Our speedboat is about to set off, and when you feel scared or shocked, please hold on to the gunwale.But everyone should always remember that back then, the greatest geniuses in the history of physics also traveled the same route, and their feelings were exactly the same as ours.