Father of Quantum Theory: "Max Planck"

Quantum physics is by nature a highly complex, difficult to understand, and open-ended science. Even the renowned physicist Richard Feynman stated on this subject: "I can say with certainty that nobody understands quantum mechanics." First, I would like to briefly explain quantum theory to you…

What is Quantum Theory?

Matter is composed of two tiny particles that we call electrons and quarks. Atoms and molecules are important particles that make up our world. To describe how the world functions, scientists use quantum theory. All the technology around us is based on quantum theory. Despite its complexity, it is present beside us at every moment in our daily lives. To understand better, let us discuss Schrödinger's Cat. Imagine a box containing a bottle of cyanide and a cat. A hammer is attached to the top of the cyanide bottle by a rope. When a random event occurs (for example, when a uranium atom decays), it is set to fall. Erwin Schrödinger designed this thought experiment to explain superposition. Atomic decay is subject to quantum law. And the atom appears to us as both decayed and not decayed. When we look at quantum theory, both the decayed and not decayed probabilities are equally valid when making a measurement. To explain it in a simpler way; we can think of the atom as being both decayed and not decayed at the same time. The cat's chance of survival depends on the uranium atom.

A Life Devoted to Physics

In fact, there are many examples and discoveries related to quantum theory. Now I will tell you about Max Planck, the German scientist and founder of quantum theory who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918. Max Planck was born in Kiel, Germany in April 1858. During his high school years, he was influenced by his physics teacher and developed a deep interest in physics. After completing his high school education, he began studying under Kirchoff and Helmholtz, the leading physics professors of the time, at Munich and Berlin Universities. After completing his university education, he became a professor of mathematics at Kiel University in his birthplace of Kiel. Later, he served as a professor at various universities and conducted extensive research. His work in the field of physics earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.  

Planck, who developed quantum theory and conducted numerous studies on thermodynamic laws, discovered Planck's constant and Planck's radiation law. Planck's constant is used for the action quantum in quantum mechanics. In the International System of Units, its unit is joule-second (J-s).

Planck's Radiation Law, or as it is otherwise known, Planck's Law, is the foundation stone of modern physics and quantum theory. This law describes the radiation emitted by black-body radiation in thermal equilibrium at a certain temperature. Max Planck developed this law in 1900 by conducting research using empirically determined constants. Planck, the pioneer and intellectual father of quantum theory, was rightfully honored not only with the great honor of receiving the Nobel Prize in Physics but also with other awards. Planck received in sequence: Pour le Mérite (1915), Lorentz Medal (1927), Franklin Medal (1927), Adlerschild des Deutschen Reiches (1928) (from the German Presidency), Max Planck Medal (1929 with Einstein), and Copley Medal (1929). Furthermore, Max Planck was awarded honorary doctorates from Frankfurt, Munich, Rostock, Berlin, Graz, Athens, Cambridge, London, and Glasgow Universities. Having devoted his life to physics and making discoveries and conducting research from the 1900s to the present day, he developed quantum theory with an ever-growing body of knowledge. A life full of achievements came to a tragic end when he was forced to make a choice. With seven children and only one son surviving, in 1944 he was among those caught in a plot to assassinate Hitler. Nazi officials made an offer to Planck. If he accepted the offer, his son would live, but he would also violate his principles and step outside the line he believed in. This cruel offer: "Sign a declaration of faith and loyalty to Nazism and your son will be spared from execution!" Planck rejected this vile offer made to him, losing his last surviving child in the name of his beliefs and values. Besides the numerous awards he received, he also received a moral award for the history of humanity. Max Planck bid farewell to his life full of achievements in 1947. "Science cannot solve the ultimate mystery of nature because we ourselves are part of the mystery we are trying to solve. / Max Planck" References https://www.teknonce.com/max-planck-kimdir-max-planckin-hayati.html https://www.sozkimin.com/a/1748-max-planck-kimdir-sozleri-ve-hayati.html https://www.pixabay.com/tr Prepared by: Çağla Köksal