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

Abstract

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.
Original languageEnglish
Publication date2019
Number of pages2
Publication statusPublished - 2019
EventGIREP-⁠ICPE-⁠EPEC-⁠MPTL 2019 CONFERENCE: Teaching-learning contemporary physics, from research to practice - Budapest University of Technology, Budapest, Hungary
Duration: 1 Jul 20195 Jul 2019
https://girep2019.hu

Conference

ConferenceGIREP-⁠ICPE-⁠EPEC-⁠MPTL 2019 CONFERENCE
LocationBudapest University of Technology
Country/TerritoryHungary
CityBudapest
Period01/07/201905/07/2019
Internet address

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