Chapter 252: Look down on classical physics? Then let me ask a question!
November 1, 1910, Princeton University.
Princeton, where Princeton University is located, is a very distinctive rural city.
The scenery is elegant, with green trees and clear rivers flowing quietly around the city.
In this small town of only 30,000 people, Princeton University seems like a paradise, far away from the hustle and bustle.
The school covers an area of 2.4 square kilometers, and the buildings on the campus are in the classical Gothic Revival style.
The auditorium is exquisite, and there is also a first-class concert hall inside, which is an excellent place for large classes and lectures.
Many big guys who are obsessed with academics prefer the tranquility here.
When you encounter a bottleneck in your research or after class, walking on the green campus paths will make your stress disappear in an instant.
When Princeton had its largest population in later generations, the total number of undergraduates and graduate students was only about 7,000.
Among colleges and universities of the same level in the United States, Princeton has the smallest number of students.
In 1910, Princeton had fewer teachers and students, only about 500.
But today the campus was bustling with people, with a sudden influx of one or two thousand people.
Everyone comes here to see the first person in physics today.
Principal Woodrow, along with Michelson, Millikan and other authorities in the American physics community, greeted him at the school gate.
Ribbons are flying, music is wafting, and the quiet campus in the past has been replaced by excitement.
At around 9 a.m., three cars recently produced by Ford Motor Company slowly drove towards Princeton University.
As the major shareholder of Ford, Vanguard Investment Group, founder Henry Ford, of course wanted to please the big investors.
When he learned that Li Qiwei had come to the United States, with a wave of his hand, he prepared three of the best cars available for use by Li Qiwei and others.
Li Qiwei was sitting on the leading car, and he kept touching the convertible under him.
Li Qiwei didn't know much about cars, but he felt that if this car was preserved for future generations, it would probably be worth a lot of money.
The leather seat under his butt made him feel more comfortable than the cars of later generations.
Soon, he arrived at the gate of Princeton University.
When Li Qiwei saw so many people at the school gate, he was shocked.
This is a bit grand.
It seems that the Americans are very concerned about their study visit.
Just as he started to get out of the car, Woodrow was already walking up with the greeting staff.
Woodrow, who is 54 years old this year, does not look old at all. He walks with the steps of a dragon and a tiger, and has a majestic appearance. He is not an ordinary person.
In real history, Woodrow would become the 28th President of the United States in 1913, a proper big shot.
In addition to being the president of Princeton University, he is also the governor of New Jersey.
"Welcome, Professor Bruce, your arrival has made Princeton University flourish."
Then, Woodrow stretched out his hand, appearing extremely enthusiastic.
Faced with such a future president of the United States, Li Qiwei could not be ignored, so he shook hands with him enthusiastically.
“Thank you for the welcome ceremony, President Woodrow, I am a little flattered.”
“Princeton University is indeed well-deserved. I think this visit will definitely benefit me a lot. .”
Woodrow looked at Ridgway secretly with a smile.
In the eyes of outsiders, as the governor of the United States and the president of a university, it seemed a bit excessive for him to personally welcome Li Qiwei.
But Woodrow is a politician after all, and his understanding of Ridgway is much deeper than ordinary people.
Even if the other party's power and status within the Qing Dynasty are slightly worse than his own, their potential is completely different.
Not to mention his status as a great scientist, Woodrow could only look up to him.
So Woodrow didn't put on a high profile, but looked casual and even-tempered, even a little humble.
His purpose is very simple, that is, he hopes that Li Qiwei can leave something behind.
Whether it is to guide American students and improve the theoretical and scientific literacy of the United States; or to invest in business here and help develop industry and commerce.
As long as it is beneficial to the United States, it doesn’t matter if it is welcomed a hundred times.
And the United States is not a superpower at this time, and the governor is not that awesome yet.
Under Woodrow's introduction, Ridgway and others got to know each other one by one.
These people are basically leading figures in the American scientific community, and most of them are in the field of natural sciences.
But there are also some philosophers, writers, etc.
They are all curious about who Bruce is and why he is such a genius.
Li Qiwei first had a passionate conversation with Michelson, Millikan, and Richardson, making the other big guys around him envious.
There is no way, their level is rarely qualified to go to Europe to participate in conferences, and it is difficult to get acquainted with giants like Li Qiwei.
Then Li Qiwei began to get to know other characters.
What surprised him was that Morgan was also among the welcoming crowd.
Li Qiwei said with a smile: "Professor Morgan, if you don't study your fruit flies, what are you doing here."
"I will not talk about creationism today."
Morgan laughed, and then said excitedly: "Bruce, I'm here to learn."
"Fruit flies are far less important than you."
"By the way, I'll tell you a good thing. News, evidence of genetic mutation has been found in my fruit flies.”
“Bruce, your theory is correct!”
Wow!
A burst of exclamations broke out all around.
Of course these people know the name of creationism.
It can be said that this theory is completely based on Bruce's hypothesis.
The other party is not a biologist, and has not even conducted a biological experiment.
But he created such a shocking theory just by relying on imagination and logical reasoning in his mind.
This kind of strength puts everyone present to shame.
Today, when Morgan publicly proved that Bruce's genetic mutation hypothesis was correct, everyone was numb.
Not only did Bruce come up with a theory, he was right about it.
Then it is estimated that the gene chain hypothesis behind is also very likely to be correct.
Everyone was shocked.
With this theory, there should be no problem for Bruce to win a Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Li Qiwei himself was very calm and said pretentiously: "Oh? That's really great."
< br>"Congratulations, Morgan, you have opened up a new future for biology."
Morgan smiled bitterly, thinking that it is all your fault, well, I am just a picker.
But on an occasion like today, where everyone is carrying people in sedan chairs, he will not be disappointed.
As a result, Morgan laughed along with him, and the surrounding atmosphere became more cheerful.
Soon, the greetings were over.
Woodrow led Li Qiwei and everyone towards the auditorium.
There, Ridgway will give a speech.
No way, this is standard equipment for big shots.
Walking on the campus, both sides are crowded with teachers and students from Princeton and from other places.
They whistled and clapped to welcome Li Qiwei's arrival, and asked some funny questions.
"Professor Bruce, are you still recruiting doctoral students? What do you think of me? I have perfect scores in all subjects."
"Professor Bruce, can you come to Princeton University to be a professor? I The only way I can win the Nobel Prize is you."
"Hey, Professor Bruce, I came up with the general theory of relativity, can you help me review it?"
The crowd burst into laughter instantly, and even Woodrow, Ridgway and others laughed.
Li Qiwei replied: "No, you can publish it yourself. I believe you are right."
In such a cheerful atmosphere, Li Qiwei and his party finally arrived at the auditorium .
Soon, the huge auditorium was packed with seats, and the crowd was filled with heads.
More people had no seats and were standing in the corners or in the corridors on the first and second floors.
The crowding did not dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd at all.
Everyone looked at Li Qiwei on the stage with excitement, looking forward to his next speech.
The front row of the auditorium was filled with the big guys who came this time, and they were communicating with each other.
After Li Qiwei greeted everyone, he walked to the stage calmly. His handsome suit and deep eyes made everyone ignore his identity as a Qing national.
The powerful aura exuding from his whole body gradually silenced the auditorium.
His calm and confident voice came from the loudspeaker.
“Thank you to Professor Michelson for inviting me, and also thank you to President Woodrow for the welcome ceremony.”
“To be honest, I have not realized the weight of a physicist until today. . ”
“It allows people to transcend all prejudices and only retain respect for knowledge and truth.”
"Don't be nervous, everyone. I don't like politics, and I won't talk about politics today."
A burst of gentle laughter broke out from below.
Woodrow also breathed a sigh of relief.
For a big boss like Li Qiwei, he would not prepare any speeches at all.
Or the content of the speech must be reported to the school in advance.
They were all impromptu speeches, done spontaneously.
Woodrow is really worried that Li Qiwei will say some sensitive content publicly, and it will be difficult to end it.
Of course Li Qiwei understands that his strength is not enough to influence the United States.
Instead of talking nonsense here and being filled with righteous indignation, it is better to show friendship and be insignificant.
Words can never replace real power.
"I am a pure physicist, and a theoretical physicist."
"Today's lecture is of course related to physics."
"Professor Michelson contacted me The letter said: The United States is too far away from the European scientific center. "
"Theoretical science here has lagged far behind."
"I am very lucky for the United States that your country has Michelson. Professors like this.”
"In a sense, the scientific foundations of the United States and China are uncompetitive against Europe."
"It is true that the industrial strength of the United States is very developed, but all of this is based on the establishment of On the basis of the Industrial Revolution.”
“What will be the fate of the United States if it does not catch up with the third industrial revolution?”
Li Qiwei’s question made everyone present express their emotions instantly. dignified.
At this moment, the advantages they were proud of and their sense of superiority over the Chinese were gone.
Yes, the United States has indeed become powerful, but its foundation is not that deep.
Even China, which they have always discriminated against, is actually not fundamentally different from the United States in science.
What the United States can make, as long as the conditions are right, China can also make it, without any technical content.
All important scientific theories in the 19th century have nothing to do with the United States.
Although there is Edison in the United States, he only stands on the shoulders of those European physicists.
Without a breakthrough in electromagnetic theory, Edison would have taken the lead in inventing it.
The foundation of American prosperity is based on breakthroughs in European scientific theories.
They only know how to use it, but they don’t know how to expand it. In this way, they will always follow others to drink soup.
Looking at China.
Although we are lagging behind for the time being, at least we have a Bruce Lee.
He alone is worth all the physicists in the United States, no, it should be all the scientists.
With the blessing of Bruce Lee, it is difficult for those present to imagine that Huaxia will continue to be weak.
At this time, Li Qiwei continued: "Of course, the development of the country is not my focus today."
"What I want to say is that the foundation of the Industrial Revolution is the breakthrough of scientific theory."
“The core of all science is undoubtedly physics.”
“Because of physicists’ research on X-rays, chemists have effective means of studying chemical crystals.”
“Because of chemists’ crystal knowledge, biologists can explore various components in the human body. The mystery of all kinds of matter."
"Interlockedly, they constitute the building of our scientific theory."
"The foundation of the first industrial revolution is the steam engine, which represents the pinnacle of Newtonian mechanics. ."
"The foundation of the second industrial revolution is electricity, which represents the pinnacle of Maxwell's electromagnetism."
"So everyone, please think about it, what is the basis of the third industrial revolution?"
Everyone in the audience immediately started discussing in a buzzing manner.
Even the big guys in the front row were very interested, whispering to each other and expressing their opinions.
This question from Li Qiwei is very topical and allows everyone to participate.
Seeing that everyone was almost discussing, Li Qiwei suddenly said loudly:
"I personally believe that the basis of the third industrial revolution must be modern physics."
"Atoms and electrons will definitely lead to the production of more advanced productivity."
Everyone suddenly burst into laughter From the applause, it was clear that Li Qiwei's views were basically the same as those present.
The first two industrial revolutions have exhausted the potential of classical physics, and the third time can only find opportunities from modern physics.
However, Li Qiwei’s next words and questions made everyone realize how the top physicists’ thinking is different from ordinary people.
"When I hear your applause, I know that everyone here has unlimited expectations for modern physics."
"In 1910, modern physics was surging, and the latest results were constantly being published. "
" Physics is all outdated.”
“To win the Nobel Prize now, you can only study modern physics.”
"Some people say that classical physics has been thoroughly studied and there will be no more problems."
"I think some of you here must have similar thoughts."
>"There are many students here today. I think what you are most interested in must be quantum theory, relativity, atoms, etc."
"It is estimated that few people will read the content of classical physics, that is, Just to meet the exam requirements.”
“But this approach is very wrong.”
"Classical physics is the basis of physics."
"It contains the most profound essence of the universe, which needs to be figured out by oneself."
"I have not seriously studied classical physics. , Even if you study modern physics, you won’t achieve anything famous.”
Li Qiwei’s words made many students in the auditorium show disapproval.
At this time, a bold student said: "Professor Bruce, is there anything wrong with this?"
"When studying physics, of course you must pay attention to the most cutting-edge content."
"Newton's theory has been around for hundreds of years. Is there anything else worth exploring?"
A burst of energy erupted in the auditorium. While talking, Woodrow turned to look at the student, wondering who was so rude.
Li Qiwei did not pay attention, but took advantage of the situation and said: "I think your question is also what many other students are thinking."
"Well, I will ask a question about Newtonian mechanics today. ”
"If you students here can answer it, I promise to take back what I just said and apologize to you."
"Teachers and professors can think, but please don't tell the answer." Li Qiwei finally added One sentence.
This moment instantly ignited the atmosphere in the auditorium, and everyone's curiosity was aroused.
The famous Professor Bruce is actually going to give students questions.
And if anyone can answer it, he will apologize in public. This is a great show.
Although the question is only for undergraduates, those who can come here today are all elites from the United States.
There are some real geniuses in there.
Professor Bruce actually dares to boast about Haikou. What confidence does he have?
Even the big guys like Michelson and Millikan in the front row were attracted by Li Qiwei’s words.
Are there any problems in Newtonian mechanics that have not been studied?
The three laws of mechanics, the law of universal gravitation, optics, etc.
These are the basic courses for physics undergraduates today. To be honest, there is really nothing difficult about them.
At this moment everyone was looking at Li Qiwei, expecting his question.
(End of this chapter)