Great Physicists · Modern
Heisenberg, Schrödinger & Quantum Mechanics
How two rival formulations, matrix mechanics (1925) and wave mechanics (1926), built quantum theory: the uncertainty principle, the wave function and Born's probabilities, Schrödinger's cat, the Copenhagen debate, and Heisenberg's wartime role.
Step 1 of 5 · Overview30 min read ·
Key idea
Prereqs: Planck, Bohr & Einstein; atoms. Next: Dirac; particle physics. Sources: David Lindley, *Uncertainty* (2007); Manjit Kumar, *Quantum* (2008); Sean Carroll (Royal Institution).Next: 1. The breakthroughs