The logic of modern physicsBridgman, P. W. (Percy Williams)
Philosophy
The logic of modern physics
Bridgman, P. W. (Percy Williams)
Physics -- Philosophy
The space in which the electron circulates is thought of as Euclidean,
and the motion is described in time, which may be measured with clocks
in the usual way. The general equations of electrodynamics do not apply;
there are no propagation effects inside the atom, the motion of the
electrons does not produce a magnetic field, and there is no radiation
when the electron is in one of its possible stable states, in spite of
the acceleration. We may, if we please, in working out the character of
the motion, entirely neglect the electrical origin of the inverse square
law, and treat this merely as an impressed force without further
implications. Superposed on the ordinary spatial, temporal, and
mechanical characteristics of the model are additional quantum
properties, one which determines the particular orbit in which the
electron moves [∫ pdq = nh], and another which determines the
frequency of the radiation emitted when the electron passes from one
allowed orbit to another. No mechanism is suggested to account for these
quantum conditions, although the conditions are formulated in mechanical
terms.
We now have to ask what is the meaning in terms of operations of our
usual concepts of space-time and mechanics when applied to phenomena of
this order. It is of course evident, as has already been emphasized,
that the concepts have entirely changed in character, because we do not
measure an electron orbit, for example, by stepping off the diameter
with meter sticks, or by measuring the time required for light to travel
across the diameter. The particular feature of immediate interest in
this changed situation is the change in number of our concepts on the
atomic level. I shall not attempt to find by an exact analysis the
number of independent concepts at this level; probably such an analysis
is not possible. We may, however, make an approximate suggestion.
Apparently the most important concept in describing relations inside a
quantum system corresponds to that of energy on the ordinary scale.
Changes of energy determine the frequency of emitted radiation, as well
as the relations during collisions of atoms and electrons; these
collisional relations make direct connection with experiment through the
voltages applied to electrons in collision experiments. The analogue of
the momentum concept also seems to have independent significance, as
shown by the Compton effect. The frequency of emitted radiation is also
something with independent experimental significance. I believe that
these three things are all that have direct significance for quantum
experiments made up to the present time. In any event, it is perfectly
evident that on the quantum level the concepts which at present have
operational significance are considerably fewer than on the level of
ordinary experience.
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