The Physical Principles of the Quantum Theory

by Werner Heisenberg

The contributions of few contemporary scientists have been as far reaching in their effects as those of Nobel Laureate Werner Heisenberg. His matrix theory is one of the bases of modern quantum mechanics, while his "uncertainty principle" has altered our whole philosophy of science.

In this classic, based on lectures delivered at the University of Chicago, Heisenberg presents a complete physical picture of quantum theory. He covers not only his own contributions, but also those of Bohr, Dirac, Bose, de Broglie, Fermi, Einstein, Pauli, Schrodinger, Somerfield, Rupp, ·Wilson, Germer, and others in a text written for the physical scientist who is not a specialist in quantum theory or in modern mathematics.

Partial introduction (theory and experiment, fundamental concepts); critique of physical concepts of the corpuscular theory (uncertainty relations and their illustration); critique of the physical concepts of the wave theory (uncertainty relations for waves, discussion of an actual measurement of the electromagnetic field); statistical interpretation of quantum theory (mathematical considerations, interference of probabilities, Bohr's complementarity); discussion of important experiments (C. T. R. Wilson, diffraction , Einstein-Rupp, emission, absorption and dispersion of radiation, interference and conservation laws, Compton effect, radiation fluctuation phenomena, relativistic formulation of the quantum theory).

An 80-page appendix on the mathematical apparatus of the quantum theory is provided for the specialist.

Genres: Physics, Science, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Mathematics, Quantum Mechanics, Textbooks

196 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 1930

About the author

Werner Heisenberg (AKA W. Heisenberg) was a German theoretical physicist who made foundational contributions to quantum mechanics and is best known for asserting the uncertainty principle of quantum theory. In addition, he made important contributions to nuclear physics, quantum field theory, and particle physics.

He won the 1932 Nobel prize in physics "for the creation of quantum mechanics, the application of which has, inter alia, led to the discovery of the allotropic forms of hydrogen".

Reviews

[ياسر · Rating 3 out of 5]

‏المباديء الفيزيائية لنظرية الكم..
فيرنر هايزنبرج..
كتاب جيد لكن لا أنصح به من يقرأ عن الكوانتم لأوّل مرة، أو من ليس عنده خلفية رياضية. لأن الكتاب يحتوي على عمليات رياضية لن يفهما سوى شخص درس رياضيات وفيزياء.

[Bogdan Teodorescu · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly recommend this book if you want to get a glimpse into quantum mechanics, and the most important principles of it, form one of the most brilliant physicists ever. Fascinating. The mathematics part may be a little hard, but all it can do is slow your reading down, otherwise it is understandable if you give it some time

[Eric Amidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today, there are many books that explain Quantum Theory in a more refined and axiomatic manner, but there's a great advantage in hearing it from the horse's mouth. You can see throughout the book that Heisenberg compares Quantum Physics with Einstein's Relativity. They are very similar indeed in the sense that they both point to a new way of thinking; a thinking based on Logical Positivism. In a nutshell, it means, you shouldn't assume something exists or has a meaning, unless you can show a practical way to measure it. If you cannot devise a way to measure the position and momentum of an electron at the same time and definitely, then definite values for them don't exist before the measurement.

[Mostafa Mahmood · Rating 1 out of 5]

! السؤال ليس عن رأيي في الكتاب ، السؤال الأهم هو لم تُرجم هذا الكتاب في المقام الأول
- الكتاب للمتخصصين فقط !

[Guillermo García Rojas C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy denso, pero muy interesante la base matemática de la teoría cuántica.

[Theodore Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this groundbreaking work by Werner Heisenberg, he lays out the general scheme of Quantum Theory. A theory which, relies on strict mathematical rigor to explain concepts which are prohibited by use of the tongue in language. Although this work is very fundamental to particle physics, I would recommend the works of Leonard Susskind and Richard Feynman's introductory lessons on Quantum Theory. As their works rely less on integral Calculus, and more on Algebraic expressions, being easier to read for the layman.

[Almodather Awad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing with philosophical integrity and literary vividness, Heisenberg introduces quantum mechanics in a layman's approach with the minimal use of mathematics. The book may require some familiarity with the subject, but yet can be an enjoyable read to those unfamiliar with the physics of its theme.

[Mi Lia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bit old-styled (no bra-ket formulation of quantum mechanics), but you always learn something new when reading from the Greats.

A must have for anyone that would like to consider himself a Physicist.

[Liam Connolly]

Insert Walker White joke

[Madiha HouRi]

Translation of the first three chapters

[Arno Mosikyan]

not for a layman, math apparatus is heavy. no rating thus not to distort the overall stat.

[Jared Davis]

Mostly over my head, but odd to see phrases that sound exactly like the folk postmodernist “science” — why the mentions of “subjective” and “objective” reality? This only serves to confuse the novice and mislead the expert