Quantum physics vs classical physics

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Classical physics fails to accurately describe the behavior of quantum-level particles, leading to significant discrepancies in predictions. Quantum mechanics (QM) was developed to address these failures, as classical theories could not explain phenomena such as the double-slit experiment, the photoelectric effect, and blackbody radiation. The inadequacies of classical physics include its inability to account for atomic stability and the spectral lines of complex atoms, which are effectively modeled by quantum theories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles
  • Familiarity with quantum mechanics fundamentals
  • Knowledge of the double-slit experiment
  • Basic concepts of electromagnetism
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of the double-slit experiment in quantum mechanics
  • Explore the photoelectric effect and its significance in quantum theory
  • Investigate blackbody radiation and its role in the development of quantum physics
  • Learn about atomic stability and the limitations of the Bohr model for complex atoms
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, educators, and researchers interested in the foundational differences between classical and quantum physics, as well as anyone seeking to understand the limitations of classical theories in explaining quantum phenomena.

Dammes
Messages
14
Reaction score
0
what i want to know is why classical physics does not work on quantum level particles?
what are the consequences of using classical physics on quantum level particles?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Dammes said:
what are the consequences of using classical physics on quantum level particles?

You get the wrong answers, for one. The reason quantum physics was developed was to properly describe the behavior of fundamental particles because the classical ideas failed. For example, the classical electron should fall into the nucleus and emit light as it does. That doesn't happen. They tried to fix the theory but nothing worked. So QM replaced it almost immediately (within a few years) upon its discovery.
 
There are problems with classical physics applied to quantum objects; you can't explain
- the double-slit experiment using classical mechanics of point particles
- the photoelectric effect using classical electromagnetism
- the blackbody radiation using classical electromagnetism
- the stability of atoms using classical mechanics + electromagnetism
- the spectrum of more complex atoms (the Bohr model only works for hydrogen-like atoms)
- ...
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
3K
  • · Replies 39 ·
2
Replies
39
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
634
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
606
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
1K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K