RealQM as an alternative to textbook Standard Quantum Mechanics StdQM is now under review for publication in Foundations of Chemistry. To prepare for the expected questioning of the need of any alternative whatsoever, let me recollect some basic facts about the present role of StdQM as foundation of atomic physics and of chemistry as based on atomic physics.
StdQM is based on a linear Schrödinger Equation SE with solution $\Psi (x,t)$ named wave function depending on a $3N$-dimensional spatial coordinate $x$ in configuration space and time $t$, for a given atomic system $S$ with $N$ electrons. The wave function $\Psi$ is viewed to contain "all there is to say about $S$" as a catalogue of all possibilities.
Since such a catalogue of possibilities has exponential computational complexity, a drastic dimensional reduction has to be made. The total energy of ground or excited states then appear as unique realities.
Since configuration space is not physical space for $N>1$, the wave function $\Psi$ has no obvious physical meaning and so SE with wave equation solution $\Psi$ acts like a black-box delivering unique energies so far $\Psi$ can be determined/computed, while the physics is hidden to inspection.
Since black-box physics does not reveal an real physics, StdQM based on SE is complemented with Born's Rule, stating that $\Psi^2(x,t)$ captures probabilities of outcomes to certain carefully specified experiments being performed on $S$, which makes the wave function $\Psi (x,t)$ collapse from possibility into reality.
Born's Rule is thus an add-on to SE put in to connect SE to reality. Born's Rule is not needed for black-box determination/computation of energies because they are uniquely determined.
RealQM is based on a different SE in physical 3D-space which displays e g the dynamical physics of an atom approaching minimal energy ground state with the environment absorbing excess energy.
A black-box explains nothing. StdQM does not explain atom physics. RealQM may.
Inlägg
Inga kommentarer:
Skicka en kommentar