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Heisenberg: An Overview
Heisenberg studied Physics at the University of Munich from 1920-1922, receiving his PhD in Physics in 1923. Heisenberg was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932 for his work on the allotropic forms of hydrogen, but is perhaps best known for his ‘Uncertainty Principle’ which contributed greatly to the Physics and Philosophy world, and will be covered more in depth in a later event on this timeline. -
Heisenberg's works
Uncertainty Principle aside, Heisenberg developed many theories in Quantum Physics. According to his biography from famousscientists.org, Heisenberg is credited with the development of works such as: "ferromagnetism, the neutron-proton model of the nucleus, the S-matrix theory of particle scattering, and many others." He also wrote 600+ research papers and essays, and his work can be found in ‘Gesammelte Werke’, or collected works. -
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle
“The Physical Content of Quantum Kinematics and Mechanics” was published in 1927, and is best summarized as follows: “It puts a limit on the accuracy with which one can specify the position and momentum of subatomic particles. He allows that you might be able to specify one precisely, but not the other.” That is to say, the more we know the precise position of a particle, the less we know of its momentum, and the more precisely we know a particles momentum, the less we know of its position. -
Uncertainty Principle and Philosophy
Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle was lauded as a big step forward in Quantum Physics, but questioned by many, Einstein, Bohrs and Popper, to name a few. In fact, there are arguments to be found on whether the Uncertainty Principle could or should even be considered Principle. Heisenberg himself commented in 1931 that the principle itself simply created the freedom for experimental data to be considered, but not the entire basis of Quantum Mechanics. -
Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle: A video
TedEd Talk on Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle This TedEd Talk is given by Dr. Chad Orzel, where he breaks down the Uncertainty Principle in a way that is a little easier to understand. The animations also help the viewer to better understand the principle.
