2.5.6 Analysis of the Nature of Matter

Analysis of the Nature of Matter

The field of quantum mechanics is a relatively new field of research, compared to fields in classical mechanics (Newton’s laws, wave theory etc)
Around 1900, discoveries, such as the electron and the gamma photon, began to conflict with the existing models scientists held about the nature of matter
Soon after, new theories about the nature of matter began to emerge from Max Planck, Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein, who are seen as the pioneers of Quantum Theory
Unsurprisingly, the understanding of quantum mechanics and the nature of matter has changed over time
- Scientists use the existing models to make predictions eg. wave theory
- Sometimes the results of their experiments were not as predicted and did not fit with the existing model eg. the photoelectric effect
- Scientists then have to change the model so that it can explain the new evidence eg. wave–particle duality

When a new theory is suggested, such as de Broglie’s idea of particles acting as waves, the theory needs to be evaluated
Other scientists evaluate the theory in a process called peer review
When enough evidence is found to support the theory, it is validated
De Broglie’s theory is currently accepted to be correct until any conflicting evidence is found

Scientists across the world form a scientific community
Scientific claims from new research that is published in journals must be peer-reviewed or evaluated by other scientists who are experts in that field of science
During the peer review process, scientists must check:
- Validity – does the research achieve what it says it does? Is the method appropriate and how have any errors been addressed?
- Originality – are the results new or has anyone else already carried out similar research? If so, has their work been credited?
- Significance – are the findings of the research important or ground-breaking?

Claims that are from research that is not peer-reviewed should always be questioned
There could be a multitude of problems. These could be the method used, the accuracy of results or the conclusions drawn
Research should also be checked if it is:
- Repeatable by the same scientists who carried it out
- Reproducible by other teams of scientists

Timeline of the great advancements in quantum theory since 1900