Sources of Quantum MechanicsMax Planck's famous lecture of 1900 expressed quantum theory in its essential form, but his statement was just the beginning. This volume features seventeen early papers that developed quantum theory into its modern form. These papers appeared from 1917 to 1926 and were written by the leading physicists of the early twentieth century. The collection begins with Einstein's "On the Quantum Theory of Radiation," an illuminating derivation of Planck's Law. Other important early papers by Ehrenfest, Bohr, Born, Van Vleck, Kuhn, and others prepared the way for the "turning point" in quantum mechanics. This crucial step is taken in Heisenberg's paper "Quantum-Theoretical Re-Interpretation of Kinematic and Mechanical Relations." Additional papers by Born, Dirac, Pauli, and Jordan develop the theory in full. Eleven of these seventeen papers are reproduced unabridged; all are in English. A 59-page historical introduction by the editor, Professor B. L. van der Waerden, provides connective commentary. Quoting from relevant correspondence, noting the thinking behind each discovery, and evaluating the extent of each individual's contribution, it re-creates the era's intellectual foment and excitement. |
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absorption according adiabatic invariant amplitudes analogy angular momentum applied assume assumption atom Bohr Bohr's Born Born's c-numbers calculation canonical classical mechanics classical theory coefficients commutation conditionally periodic system connection consider considerations constant coordinates correspondence principle degree of freedom denotes derived determined diagonal matrix differential dispersion Ehrenfest Einstein electric electrodynamics electron emission emitted energy equal equations of motion expression external field follows formula Fourier frequency condition function given harmonic oscillator Heisenberg hydrogen integral intensity Jordan Ladenburg light linear means molecule multiplication multiply periodic obtain orbit paper particles Pauli perturbation theory phenomena Phys Planck's possible probability problem quantities quantum conditions quantum mechanics quantum theory quantum-theoretical radiation field relation represented resonator result satisfy scattered radiation separation of variables solution spectra spectral lines spectrum stationary statistical theory of radiation transformation transition processes values variables vector vibrations waves