In Parts I–III of this series, I recounted the failings of classical mechanics, the quantum hypothesis, and the rise of a new theory called quantum mechanics (1–3). In this next installment, I will discuss the ideal systems whose wavefunctions can be determined exactly from the Schrödinger equation. Readers who missed the previous installments can find them on Spectroscopy's website by going to www.spectroscopyonline.com and clicking on "The Baseline" button on the left of the page.
Jun 1, 2008
By:
David W. Ball
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In Parts I-III of this series, columnist David W. Ball recounted the failings of classical mechanics, the quantum hypothesis, and the rise of a new theory called quantum mechanics. In this installment, he discusses the ideal systems whose wavefunctions can be determined exactly from the Schr?dinger equation.
Apr 1, 2008
By:
David W. Ball
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Columnist David W. Ball discusses the pioneering work of Erwin Schrodinger, whose work on wave mechanics forms the basis of the modern understanding of subatomic behavior.
Jan 1, 2008
By:
David W. Ball
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In part I of this series, columnist David Ball laid the groundwork for why the scientific understanding of nature in the late 19th century was found wanting: it could not explain a variety of phenomena that scientists were examining. (One of these phenomena was spectroscopy itself!) In this installment, he reviews the paradigm shifts in science that preceded the development of the currently accepted theories of the nature of matter. It all starts with the nature of light.
Dec 1, 2007
By:
David W. Ball
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David Ball teaches students that if theory doesn't agree with nature, there are two choices: change the theory, or change nature. Unfortunately, all attempts to change nature have failed. The only choice then is to change the theory. In this first part of a multipart series, he reviews the failures of classical mechanics that necessitated the development of a new theory of nature.
Sep 1, 2007
By:
David W. Ball
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Columnist David Ball discusses the search for light sources that are more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs. In particular, he focuses on light-emitting diodes.
Jun 1, 2007
By:
David W. Ball
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Columnist David Ball discusses the fact that spectroscopy is based upon light and considers the spectroscopy of fire and flame.
Mar 1, 2007
By:
David W. Ball
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David Ball discusses how the electromagnetic spectrum was originally mapped out and what this means for spectroscopy.
In the last installment of this column (1), I talked about clocks as the first scientific instrument. What do clocks have to do with spectroscopy? Actually, the world's most accurate clocks, atomic clocks, are based upon a spectroscopic transition of cesium or other elements, making spectroscopy a fundamental tool in our measurements of the natural universe.
Jan 1, 2007
By:
David W. Ball
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January 2007. In the previous installment of this column, the author discussed clocks as the first scientific instrument. What do clocks have to do with spectroscopy? Actually, the world?s most accurate clocks, atomic clocks, are based upon a spectroscopic transition of cesium or other elements, making spectroscopy a fundamental tool in our measurements of the natural universe.
In this column, an argument will be made for the world's first scientific instrument. The argument might provoke a question: What does it have to do with spectroscopy? The answer might surprise you.
Dec 1, 2006
By:
David W. Ball
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December 2006. After due consideration in his copious free time, columnist David Ball comes to the conclusion that the world's original scientific instrument was the clock. This might provoke a question: What does it have to do with spectroscopy? The answer might surprise readers.
