Different uses of complex numbers in the early stages of quantum theory

TY - ABST

T1 - Different uses of complex numbers in the early stages of quantum theory

AU - Avelar Sotomaior Karam, Ricardo

PY - 2019

Y1 - 2019

N2 - Quantum mechanics seems to use complex numbers in a fundamentally different way when compared to classical physics. Selected episodes from early stages of the theory are presented to identify different approaches to the use of complex numbers. If for Heisenberg it seemed quite natural to use complex exponentials, Schrödinger clearly struggled with the complex nature of his wave function and tried to assign physical meaning only to its real component. Dirac was probably the first to stress that complex quantities in quantum mechanics cannot be split up into pure real and imaginary parts. Possible educational implications are outlined.

AB - Quantum mechanics seems to use complex numbers in a fundamentally different way when compared to classical physics. Selected episodes from early stages of the theory are presented to identify different approaches to the use of complex numbers. If for Heisenberg it seemed quite natural to use complex exponentials, Schrödinger clearly struggled with the complex nature of his wave function and tried to assign physical meaning only to its real component. Dirac was probably the first to stress that complex quantities in quantum mechanics cannot be split up into pure real and imaginary parts. Possible educational implications are outlined.

M3 - Conference abstract for conference

SP - 285

EP - 286

T2 - GIREP-⁠ICPE-⁠EPEC-⁠MPTL 2019 CONFERENCE

Y2 - 1 July 2019 through 5 July 2019

ER -