But
even if the radiation formula should prove to be absolutely accurate it
would after all be only an interpolation formula found by happy guesswork,
and would thus leave one rather unsatisfied. I was, therefore, from the
day of its origination, occupied with the task of giving it a real physical
meaning.
(Max Planck, 1919 Nobel Prize address, 'The Origin and
Development of the Quantum Theory')
Consequently,
there remains only the one conclusion, that previous electron theories suffer
from an essential incompleteness which demands a modification, but how deeply
this modification should go into the structure of the theory is a question
upon which views are still widely divergent. J. J. Thompson inclines to
the most radical view, as do J. Larmor, A. Einstein, and with him I. Stark
who even believe that the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a pure
vacuum does not occur precisely in accordance with the Maxwellian field
equations, but in definite energy quanta hv. I am of the opinion, on the
other hand, that at present it is not necessary to proceed in so revolutionary
a manner, and that one may come successfully through by seeking the significance
of the energy quanta hv solely in the mutual actions with which
the resonators influence one another. A definite decision with
regard to these important questions can only be brought about as a result
of more experience. (Max Planck, Columbia Lectures on Quantum
Theory)
In 1900 Max Planck made a profound discovery in modern physics / Quantum
Theory. He showed (from purely formal / mathematical foundations) that light
must be emitted and absorbed in discrete amounts if it was to correctly
describe observed phenomena (i.e. Blackbody radiation).
Prior to then light had been considered as a continuous electromagnetic
wave, thus the discrete nature of light was completely unexpected, as Albert
Einstein explains;
About
fifteen years ago [1899] nobody had yet doubted that a correct account of
the electrical, optical, and thermal properties of matter was possible on
the basis of Galileo-Newtonian mechanics applied to molecular motion and
of Maxwell's theory of the electromagnetic field. (Albert Einstein,
1915)
Then Planck showed that in order to establish a law of heat radiation (Infra red light waves) consonant with experience, it was necessary to employ a method of calculation whose incompatibility with the principles of classical physics became clearer and clearer. For with this method of calculation, Planck introduced into physics the quantum hypothesis, which has since received brilliant confirmation. (Albert Einstein, on Quantum Theory, 1914)
In the year nineteen hundred, in the course of purely theoretical (mathematical) investigation, Max Planck made a very remarkable discovery: the law of radiation of bodies as a function of temperature could not be derived solely from the Laws of Maxwellian electrodynamics. To arrive at results consistent with the relevant experiments, radiation of a given frequency f had to be treated as though it consisted of energy atoms (photons) of the individual energy hf, where h is Planck's universal constant. During the years following, it was shown that light was everywhere produced and absorbed in such energy quanta. In particular, Niels Bohr was able to largely understand the structure of the atom, on the assumption that the atoms can only have discrete energy values, and that the discontinuous transitions between them are connected with the emission or absorption of energy quantum. This threw some light on the fact that in their gaseous state elements and their compounds radiate and absorb only light of certain sharply defined frequencies. (Albert Einstein, on Quantum Theory, 1940)
Even
the Greeks had already conceived the atomistic nature of matter and the
concept was raised to a high degree of probability by the scientists of
the nineteenth century. But it was Planck's law of radiation that yielded
the first exact determination - independent of other assumptions - of the
absolute magnitudes of atoms. More than that, he showed convincingly that
in addition to the atomistic structure of matter there is a kind of atomistic
structure to energy, governed by the universal constant h, which was introduced
by Planck. This discovery became the basis of all twentieth-century research
in physics and has almost entirely conditioned its development ever since.
Without this discovery it would not have been possible to establish a workable
theory of molecules and atoms and the energy processes that govern their
transformations. Moreover, it has shattered the whole framework of classical
mechanics and electrodynamics and set science a fresh task: that
of finding a new conceptual basis for all physics. Despite remarkable
partial gains, the problem is still far from a satisfactory solution.
(Albert Einstein, on Quantum Theory, 1950)
We can now finally solve these problems by understanding the reason for
these discrete energy states, which are due to the fact that standing waves
only exist at discrete frequencies, like notes on the string of a guitar,
thus while the correct Spherical Standing Wave Structure of Matter predicts
that energy exchanges will be discrete, as observed, the continuous e-m
wave does not anticipate this.
Thus the Spherical Standing Wave Structure of Matter explains Max Planck's
(1900) discovery that there are only certain allowed discrete energy states
for electrons in molecules and atoms, and further, that light is only ever
emitted and absorbed by electrons in discrete or 'quantum' amounts, as the
electrons move from one stable standing wave pattern to another.
"When
forced to summarize the general theory of relativity in one sentence: Time
and space and gravitation have no separate existence from matter. ... Physical
objects are not in space, but these objects are spatially extended.
In this way the concept 'empty space' loses its meaning. ... The particle
can only appear as a limited region in space in which the field strength
or the energy density are particularly high. ...
The free, unhampered exchange of ideas and scientific conclusions
is necessary for the sound development of science, as it is in all spheres
of cultural life. ... We must not conceal from ourselves that no
improvement in the present depressing situation is possible without a severe
struggle; for the handful of those who are really determined to do something
is minute in comparison with the mass of the lukewarm and the misguided.
...
Humanity is going to need a substantially new way of thinking if
it is to survive!" (Albert Einstein)
Our world is in great trouble due to human behaviour
founded on myths and customs that are causing the destruction
of Nature and climate
change. We can now deduce
the most simple science theory of reality - the wave structure of matter
in space. By understanding how we and everything around us are interconnected
in Space we can then deduce solutions to the fundamental problems of
human knowledge in physics,
philosophy, metaphysics,
theology,
education,
health, evolution
and ecology, politics
and society.
This is the profound new way of thinking that Einstein
realised, that we exist as spatially extended structures of the universe
- the discrete and separate body an illusion. This simply confirms the intuitions
of the ancient
philosophers and mystics.
Given the current censorship
in physics / philosophy of science journals (based on the standard
model of particle physics / big
bang cosmology) the internet is the best hope for getting new knowledge
known to the world. But that depends on you, the people who care about science
and society, realise the importance of truth and reality.
It is easy to help - just click on the social network sites (below) or grab
a nice image / quote you like and add it to your favourite blog,
wiki or forum. We are listed as one of the top
philosophy sites on the Internet (300,000 page views / week) and have
a wonderful collection of knowledge from the greatest minds in human history,
so people will appreciate your contributions. Thanks! Geoff
Haselhurst - Karene
Howie - Email
Come and say hello to Geoffrey - Support simple sensible science that works.
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