Chapter 224 Locking down American physics research for ten years
After Li Qiwei finished his speech, he answered the questions raised by many physics leaders present.
Just when he thought it was about to end, Michelson, who had been silent, suddenly signaled to ask questions.
Michelson was filled with emotion in his seat in the audience.
In the past hour or two, he had been shocked more times than in his entire life.
As physicists from the Americas, he and Millikan were understandably shocked when they saw that the development of physics in Europe had reached such a stage.
It is no exaggeration to say that Michelson believed that European physics was at least twenty years ahead of the United States at this time.
This is a terrible gap.
If there are no external factors, this gap will always exist, and even become larger and larger as time goes by.
This is how China was in history. After the founding of the Republic of China, due to various reasons, the development of physics was delayed, and it was not caught up until later generations.
The United States took advantage of the two world wars to pack up and take away the world's top physicists.
This led to its rapid rise and increase in national power, and finally became the overlord.
This shows the importance of scientists to national development.
Physicists are scientists among scientists.
So, when Michelson saw Li Qiwei chatting and laughing with the big guys, he couldn't sit still.
If this situation continues, the future of physics in the United States will be worrying.
In the future, if American students want to continue their studies after graduating from college, the first thing they will think of is Europe.
This will cause a massive brain drain.
Of course, this kind of thing is definitely not appropriate to bring up at a meeting.
This is the world's most high-end physics academic conference, not a conference to discuss national development.
So, Michelson said: "Bruce, I am actually more interested in the theory of relativity than quantum theory."
Ridgway smiled and nodded to him.
One of the two dark clouds in classical physics is caused by the other party. Of course he will study the theory of relativity.
Michelson once pondered Li Qiwei's thesis repeatedly, and he tried to accept that incredible world view.
He discovered that if you admit Li Qiwei’s relative space-time view from the beginning.
In fact, the special theory of relativity is very easy to understand, and the physics and mathematics knowledge used in it are not complicated at all.
Even undergraduates who have undergone rigorous training can roughly understand it as long as they study it carefully.
Seven years have passed since the publication of the special theory of relativity, and many universities have made it a required subject for graduate students.
Some well-known universities, such as the University of Cambridge and the University of Oxford, have directly included it as an undergraduate course.
"Bruce, according to your analysis, relativity is a theory applicable to macroscopic physics."
"It studies objects that move at high speeds like light."
"So is there a possibility that the theory of relativity also applies to the atomic field."
"For example, the speed of electrons moving around the nucleus, according to the theory According to calculations, obvious relativistic effects will occur at this speed."
"Recent experiments have also proved this."
"Then applying relativity theory to the study of atomic structure. Do you think it’s valuable?”
"In other words, will this give birth to a new research field?"
After hearing this, everyone present was filled with admiration.
Michelson's idea was very creative.
Although the theory of relativity is a theory that studies macroscopic physical phenomena, no one has ever stipulated that it cannot be applied to microscopic physics.
Even Li Qiwei, the creator of the theory, has not said this publicly.
And now, Li Qiwei himself was also shocked. Sure enough, he could not underestimate any big shot in this era.
Although they have no experience in later generations, their physical intuition is not bad at all.
If Li Qiwei did not have the blessing of history, he would definitely not be able to compare with these big guys.
The reason why Michelson asked this question was because of his own selfish motives.
He wants to blaze a trail for the American physics community.
Nowadays, the top physics research centers in the world have their own main areas of expertise.
For example, Cavendish’s research on cathode rays and microscopic particle paths.
Research on radioactivity and atomic structure at the University of Manchester.
Spectroscopy and thermodynamics research in Germany.
Wait.
But what about the United States? Does the United States have any focus?
Physics in the United States now relies entirely on him and Millikan.
Fortunately, he won a Nobel Prize.
Otherwise, Michelson even doubted that the United States might not be invited to any future meetings of the international physics community.
This is something he cannot accept no matter what.
He was eager to make a name for himself in the American physics community.
But now he himself is an experimentalist, and Millikan is also an experimentalist.
To put it bluntly, they are just eating the leftovers of European physics.
So Michelson had a sudden idea.
Since no one has ever applied relativity to atoms, would this be a good direction?
But he wasn't sure, so he wanted Li Qiwei to give some feasible suggestions.
This kind of finalization of the general direction of physics research is related to the development and destiny of a country, and Michelson dare not be careless.
That’s why I asked the above question.
Li Qiwei, with his delicate mind, looked at Michelson's expression and guessed what he was thinking.
Then he noticed.
This is a perfect opportunity to undermine American science.
If he gives a wrong direction, it can delay the rise of the United States.
But Li Qiwei suddenly felt a little shaken.
Would this hurt Michelson's heart too much?
At this moment, the black villain in his mind suddenly burst out.
"It hurts your mother's head!"
Li Qiwei woke up immediately.
This is a war related to the fate of the country. How can personal feelings be mixed into it?
The worst case scenario is that Borneo will give Michelson a position in the future.
After thinking about this, Li Qiwei smiled and said:
"Excellent idea, Professor Michelson."
"Although I think quantum theory will be the best theory to explain the behavior of atoms."
"But physical research has never been sure. "
"Because of its small structure, atoms can easily achieve extremely high speeds."
"Maybe that's where the theory of relativity comes in."
"If you say that, I will have to give my doctoral students a few such topics."
Everyone smiled knowingly.
Actually, Li Qiwei really didn’t deceive Michelson, at least he didn’t lie.
Because after the old quantum theory was established, atomic research really needed the theory of relativity.
For example, the phenomenon of electron spin and so on.
These all need to consider relativistic effects.
But this requires a prerequisite.
That is, only after the old quantum theory has been studied to a certain extent can the theory of relativity have a chance to be used.
Otherwise, it would be like a certain master started studying quantum mechanics before Newtonian mechanics came out.
No matter how amazing and talented he is, he can only end in failure.
Therefore, the path that Ridgway gave Michelson was a correct but advanced path.
They may be able to research something, but it is certainly of no practical significance.
Because physics is gradual.
Thinking of this, Li Qiwei suddenly felt a sense of accomplishment.
Unknowingly, he has grown to this point.
It only takes a few words to lock down a country's physics research.
According to his assumption, Michelson will be trapped for at least 10 years.
Li Qiwei felt like a sophon in a later science fiction novel.
Single-handedly, he has blocked the basic physics research of the earth.
He now has a similar three-point method. Let’s practice with the United States first.
This point in time is the weakest moment in the United States.
If a few more decades pass, there will be nothing that Li Qiwei can do no matter how awesome he is.
So, he must seize this opportunity.
Of course, the reason why he has such prestige is because he created the theory of relativity.
He is the source and absolute authority of theory.
What he said can arouse the deep thought and trust of countless people.
In the future, his authority and reputation will be even greater, and he can guide physicists around the world to study nuclear fusion.
Then he secretly studied nuclear fission alone.
In this scientific world, I am the only one who has the core!
That is the true turning of hands into clouds and turning hands into rain.
However, there is still a long way to go.
Li Qiwei is cautious, he will take it one step at a time.
At this time, Millikan interrupted his reverie.
"Bruce, there are no outsiders here today. Please tell us thoroughly. When will your general theory of relativity be published?"
"In case you fail, then the special theory of relativity can have the fatal flaw of the inertial reference system."
"At that time, I think Professor Michelson will definitely not dare to study the application of special relativity in atoms. .”
“Because this theory probably has no future.”
Millikan’s joking tone caused laughter in the conference room.
Obviously, although everyone is not very enthusiastic about the study of relativity, they are very interested in this topic.
Li Qiwei smiled slightly. Of course he knew that the current physics community had mixed opinions on the special theory of relativity.
Although many universities list it as a study subject, it is to train students' research thinking.
There is currently no authoritative statement proving the correctness of special relativity.
After all, there is the limitation of this inertial reference system.
And the special theory of relativity has been mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prize in Physics more than once.
However, the academicians on the Nobel Prize Committee did not dare to award the award easily and could only choose to delay it slowly.
If it turns out to be wrong, the Nobel Prize will be a laughing stock.
However, Li Qiwei didn’t care.
Now the Nobel Prize has very little effect on him.
Even if he wins 10 Nobel Prizes in Physics, it won’t mean much.
On the contrary, it will give people a weird feeling.
A genius is one step further than a monster, and a dozen steps further would be unbelievable.
The medical scientist may be extremely excited and eager to try and dissect him.
Just like Einstein in later generations, the brain was sliced and studied.
"Millikan, are you eager to test my theory?"
"You have no method for special relativity, do you think there is a method for general relativity?"
Li Qiwei's words made everyone laugh.
Although they are not interested in the theory of relativity, it is because it is imperfect.
Once Ridgway can really perfect the general theory of relativity, it will completely prove that Newton's theory is wrong.
That is a big thing.
By then, the world of physics will be more than just earthquakes.
That was an earth-shaking event that shocked the world.
As long as Ridgway can publish the general theory of relativity and be proven to be correct, his status will immediately be comparable to Newton's.
Become the only great physicist today and dominate an era!
That would be something that would make everyone crazy.
Therefore, everyone present wanted to know where Li Qiwei had gone.
Can you overcome the difficulties you encounter?
Einstein, in particular, looked at Li Qiwei with a pious and worshipful gaze.
He believes that there are miracles in the world!
The miracle creator is Li Qiwei!
Li Qiwei had a panoramic view of everyone's expressions, he smiled slightly and said:
"I'm not sure of the specific time."
"But it could take three years at a slower time, or one year at a faster time."
“I will publish the general theory of relativity.”
Boom!
Li Qiwei's calm words sounded like thunder in everyone's ears.
The heads of everyone present were buzzing.
The big guys were all moved.
Although Li Qiwei did not explicitly say the time, it is precisely because of this that it makes people feel terrible.
It shows that he is completely sure!
That's what gets everyone excited.
Since his debut, Li Qiwei has never broken his promise.
Every promise he made was fulfilled by him.
At present, general relativity is no exception.
Planck couldn't help but asked: "Bruce, are you really so sure?"
Planck was Li Qiwei's teacher, and the relationship between the two was both teacher and friend.
He has long regarded Li Qiwei as a confidant.
He cares very much about Li Qiwei's reputation.
Based on the other party's achievements, even if there is no progress in the next few decades, he is still the top physicist in the world.
In other words, there is absolutely no need for me as a disciple to take risks and challenge such difficult things.
During this period, Planck sometimes chatted with Poincaré, Hilbert and others.
From their mouths, Planck learned how difficult the mathematical problems Li Qiwei was currently encountering were.
There are some things that even Planck, who had an undergraduate degree in mathematics, could not understand.
He couldn't imagine what kind of effort and sweat Li Qiwei had put in.
You know, the other party didn’t know even the simple mathematics used in quantum theory at that time.
But now, he wanted to study the most advanced mathematics. How could he not worry Planck?
Thomson also looked at Li Qiwei worriedly.
Although he cares more about Rutherford than Ridgway and Wilson.
But he must admit that Li Qiwei was the most talented physicist he had ever seen.
He himself is ashamed of himself.
During private chats, Li Qiwei also revealed a little.
I just say that the math aspect has not been solved yet.
And now, is the other party finally about to pass this hurdle?
Thomson is full of expectations.
The greater Li Qiwei's achievements, the happier Thomson became.
Because everyone knows that Thomson is Li Qiwei's mentor, even more important than Planck.
After all, without him, Li Qiwei might not have been able to embark on the path of physics research.
Einstein's face flushed, and his hands trembled with excitement.
I am afraid no one present cares more about the publication of the general theory of relativity than he does.
It is a desire for truth.
As the only founder of the theory of relativity, once the general theory of relativity becomes a great success, his status will also rise.
Become a world-class physicist.
This was Einstein's dream.
As for Rutherford, Lorenz and others, they were envious and congratulated Li Qiwei.
They are likely to witness the golden age of physics.
Facing the instructor's concern and everyone's expectations, Li Qiwei smiled lightly and said:
"Everyone, let's wait and see."
I'm sick and the pain is excruciating, and I'm not sure about the second one, please Everyone understands
(End of this chapter)