Joseph John Thomson, Max Planck
Quantum theory and quantum mechanics are closely related but not identical concepts. Quantum theory refers to the overarching framework and principles that describe the behavior of matter and energy at the quantum level, including concepts like superposition and entanglement. Quantum mechanics, on the other hand, is the mathematical formulation and set of rules derived from quantum theory that allows for the calculation of physical phenomena. Essentially, quantum mechanics is a subset of quantum theory, focusing on the practical application of its principles.
The electron is the particle most involved with quantum theory. Its behavior and properties are governed by quantum mechanics, which describes the behavior of very small particles like electrons.
Quantum mechanics.
The most known theory in quantum mechanics would be the Broglie-Bohm theory. Other popular theories are the string theory, quantum entanglement, and SchrÌ_dinger's cat.
Max Planck discovered the concept of energy quanta which led to the development of quantum theory. He proposed that energy is quantized, meaning it can only exist in discrete packets or "quanta". This insight revolutionized the field of physics and laid the foundation for modern quantum mechanics.
There is no reasonable alternative to quantum mechanics, at least not something that can even compare with the predictive power and experimental accuracy as quantum theory. If you want to make predictions about things happening at small scales you cannot do without quantum mechanics. Also note that certain models which are now considered as possible theories of everything (e.g. string theory) all expand upon quantum mechanics, they do not make quantum mechanics invalid or unnecessary.
String theory is one of the leading candidates for a theory of everything, that is, a theory that unifies all 4 basic forces of nature, viz, gravity, the electromagnetic force, the strong force and the weak force. The last 3 forces mentioned above are described by quantum mechanics. This is the link between quantum mechanics and string theory. ps- If you believe in watertight definitions, then quantum mechanics is all the quantum theory till Dirac's equation. I'm taking quantum mechanics as the theory of the small as such, that is, all of the phenomena of the small from Plank till the standard model and beyond.
John Lewis Heilbron has written: 'A history of the problem of atomic structure from the discovery of the electron to the beginning of quantum mechanics' -- subject(s): Quantum theory, Electrons, Atomic theory
The distinction is sometimes made to distinguish normal quantum mechanics (which does not incorporate special relativity) and quantum field theory (relativistic quantum mechanics). Since we know special relativity is correct it is the relativistic form of quantum mechanics which is true, but non-relativistic quantum mechanics is still used, because it is a good approximation at low energies and it is much simpler. Physics students typically study regular quantum mechanics before moving on to quantum field theory.
V. I. Kogan has written: 'Problems in quantum mechanics' -- subject(s): Problems, exercises, Quantum theory 'Problems in quantum mechanics' -- subject(s): Quantum theory, Problems, exercises, SCIENCE / Physics
Werner Heisenberg developed the quantum theory in 1925 as part of his work on matrix mechanics. His groundbreaking research contributed to the foundation of quantum mechanics and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1932.
Bohr's model of the atom was a precursor to quantum mechanics, providing a framework for understanding the discrete energy levels of electrons. It introduced the idea of quantized energy states and laid the foundation for the development of quantum theory. Quantum mechanics later expanded on Bohr's model, offering a more comprehensive explanation of the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.