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Classical mechanics assumes that light energy is a self-propagating, harmonic wave of electro-magnetic fields. It assumes that there is no limit to how small the energy in a light beam can be.

QM, on the other hand, assumes there is a limit to how small the energy within a "chunk" of light can be, and that size is given by the frequency of the light times Planck's Constant. With this assumption, the formula for frequency shift of scattered photons as a function of angle can be easily explained. Using only classical mechanics, deriving the formula is impossible.

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Where classical mechanics fails and quantum mechanics aeises?

Numerous places: 1) photo-electric effect. 2) black-body radiation spectrum. 3) spectrum of hydrogen emissions. 4) interference patterns of electrons through a slit. 5) compton scattering. All of the above can be easily explained by the existence of 'quanta,' but are impossible to explain through purely classical means.


Inadequacies of classical mechanics in schrodinger's equation?

Classical mechanics fails to accurately describe the behavior of particles at the quantum level, unlike Schrödinger's equation which can predict the behavior of particles based on their wave functions. Classical mechanics does not account for wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, and quantum superposition which are crucial in understanding quantum systems. Schrödinger's equation provides a more comprehensive and accurate description of particle behavior at the atomic and subatomic levels.


What were arthur compton's contributions to the atomic theory?

Arthur Compton made significant contributions to the atomic theory by discovering the Compton effect, which provided experimental evidence for the particle nature of light. This discovery helped establish the understanding that light can behave as both a wave and a particle, which was fundamental to the development of quantum mechanics.


How did quantum mechanics change our understanding of atoms?

Quantum mechanics explained principles like superposition of wave-particle duality of mater. It shaped a world where the classical laws of physics were merely a waste. It exposed to us a world of particles, that matter was made of many groups of particles each accomplishing a particular task just like our organs. With the help of quantum mechanics we were able to get a 3 dimensional idea of the atom. It was able to explain the screening effect and the stark effect. It was also able to construct exact shape of orbitals and explain the formation of various types of compounds( A theory called hybridization and VSEPR and MOT came in handy thanks to quantum mechanics). It also explained the idea that atoms were composed of a lot more particles and helped predict their states nature and characteristics.


What are the two ideas leading to a new quantum mechanics?

The two key ideas leading to a new quantum mechanics were Planck's notion of quantized energy levels in blackbody radiation, and Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect using quantized light particles (photons). These ideas challenged classical mechanics and paved the way for the development of quantum theory.

Related Questions

Inadequacies of classical mechanics in schrodinger?

stability of atoms line spectrum of hydrogen atom compton effect photoelectric effect black body radiation


What are the reason the classical physics failed?

It is a macroscopic theory. Their theoretical values are not equal to the experimental values. The classical theory cannot explain the photoelectric effect,compton effect,magnetic properties briefly..... it obeys the classical mechanics. it does not briefly explain the atoms internal parts . hence it is rectified by quantum physics....!


Can classical physics explain the photoelectric effect?

No. To explain the photoelectric effect, you have to think of light as a particle, not a wave. The fact that light can be both a wave and a particle is part of quantum mechanics, not classical physics.


What did Arthur Compton invent?

Arthur Compton discovered the Compton effect, which demonstrates the particle-like behavior of light. This discovery provided evidence for the concept of photons and helped pave the way for the development of quantum mechanics.


Where classical mechanics fails and quantum mechanics aeises?

Numerous places: 1) photo-electric effect. 2) black-body radiation spectrum. 3) spectrum of hydrogen emissions. 4) interference patterns of electrons through a slit. 5) compton scattering. All of the above can be easily explained by the existence of 'quanta,' but are impossible to explain through purely classical means.


Inadequacies of classical mechanics in schrodinger's equation?

Classical mechanics fails to accurately describe the behavior of particles at the quantum level, unlike Schrödinger's equation which can predict the behavior of particles based on their wave functions. Classical mechanics does not account for wave-particle duality, uncertainty principle, and quantum superposition which are crucial in understanding quantum systems. Schrödinger's equation provides a more comprehensive and accurate description of particle behavior at the atomic and subatomic levels.


Why does classical physics fail to explain the photoelectric effect?

Classical physics fails to explain the photoelectric effect because it is based on the wave theory of light, which predicts that the energy of a wave is proportional to its intensity. However, the photoelectric effect shows that the energy of ejected electrons is dependent on the frequency of light, not its intensity, as predicted by quantum theory.


Classical physics CANNOT explain why?

There are many examples of what classical physics can not explain. (By classical physics we mean that which has its theoretical foundations before about 1900.) Quantum mechanics is absent from classical physics. Classical physics can not explain why atoms (positive nucleus attracted to surrounding electrons) is stable. Even the simplest atom, a hydrogen atom, would be unstable and the electron orbiting the proton would gradually radiate its energy and the orbit would decay. The photoelectric effect is an important historical example of the failure of classical physics. In that case, electromagnetic theory said that light was an electromagnetic wave. That was true enough but it does not account for the quantum nature of light and the characteristics that allow a photon to act like a discrete bundle of electromagnetic energy with properties like a particle. Virtually all of our understanding about the atomic structure and properties of matter depends on quantum mechanics, so the example of hydrogen is just symbolic of the need for modern physics for the entirety of our understanding about electronic properties of matter. One can choose to define classical physics to include relativity or not as one wishes, but it is fair to say that Newtonian mechanics does not explain relativistic mechanics. In particular, time dilation and length contraction are purely relativistic effects.


What observations or experiments do not show light behaving as a classical wave?

Certain experiments such as the photoelectric effect and the Compton effect cannot be explained by classical wave behavior. The quantized nature of light revealed by these experiments led to the development of the quantum theory of light.


When was The Compton Effect created?

The Compton Effect, also known as Compton scattering, was discovered by physicist Arthur Compton in 1923 and was confirmed experimentally in the following years. This effect describes the increase in wavelength of X-rays when they collide with electrons.


What were arthur compton's contributions to the atomic theory?

Arthur Compton made significant contributions to the atomic theory by discovering the Compton effect, which provided experimental evidence for the particle nature of light. This discovery helped establish the understanding that light can behave as both a wave and a particle, which was fundamental to the development of quantum mechanics.


Significance of compton effect?

The Compton effect, discovered by Arthur H. Compton in 1923, is significant because it demonstrated the particle-like behavior of photons, supporting the theory of wave-particle duality in quantum mechanics. This effect illustrated how X-rays could scatter off electrons, resulting in a change in wavelength that confirmed the conservation of energy and momentum. It played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of light and matter interactions, influencing fields such as quantum physics, astrophysics, and medical imaging. Additionally, the Compton effect has practical applications in radiation detection and treatment modalities in medical therapies.