Chapter 290 The third question! Bruce is defeated! Although defeated, it is still glorious! (Day 8 and 10, please subscribe)
The excitement of the second quantum theory conference exceeded everyone’s imagination.
Especially the people at the scene, they are very grateful that they have the opportunity to watch the confrontation between the big guys here.
The collision of ideas creates sparks of wisdom.
Everyone is immersed in the ocean of knowledge in physics and experiences the vast world of science.
Now, the meeting finally reached its most tense moment.
The third Nobel Prize challenger appears.
Everyone suddenly had a hunch that this should be the last question today.
But will the result be suspenseful?
At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Rutherford, holding their breath, waiting for the big boss's question.
When Rutherford saw that the venue gradually became quiet, he smiled softly and said:
"Bruce, my first question is why the Bohr model cannot explain radioactivity."
" Currently, it is known that radioactive substances emit three types of rays."
"They are alpha rays, which are essentially helium ions, beta rays, which are essentially electrons, and gamma rays, which are electromagnetic waves."
“Needless to say, alpha rays and beta rays are not electromagnetic waves and cannot be generated through transitions.”
"Gamma rays are electromagnetic waves. It stands to reason that they can be produced through transitions."
"But my team used the energy level difference before and after the electron transition to calculate and found that no atom can produce gamma rays."< br>
“It seems that gamma rays can only be spontaneously produced by radioactive materials.”
“Artificial means cannot intervene.”
“Bruce, what do you think is the reason?”< br>
Wow!
Everyone in the venue opened their mouths.
The shock and expectation in their hearts exceeded the problems of Michelson and Lorenz.
Rutherford's problem is not to directly point out the shortcomings of Bohr's model.
Instead, a new field is reintroduced.
The current Bohr model is very powerful in the fields of spectroscopy and the periodic table of elements.
It claims to end all problems in spectroscopy.
It even has a tendency to dominate modern physics.
But now, Professor Rutherford has become a stumbling block to Bohr's model.
In the field of radiology, the Bohr model is powerless!
It's not a panacea.
Although Ridgway predicted that quantum theory would become the theory governing atoms.
But radioactivity is also the domain of atoms, and quantum theory is helpless.
This is the biggest problem!
The generation mechanisms of the three types of rays, the nature of radioactivity, etc. are all unsolved mysteries of current physics.
Although Rutherford proposed the elemental metamorphosis hypothesis.
But he only pointed out that the atom transformed into another type of atom, so it moved its position in the periodic table of elements.
As for how atoms transform?
Why can it emit helium ions?
Why can electrons be emitted?
These are unknown.
All physicists can do is observe and summarize phenomena.
In other words, the magic inside the atom far exceeds everyone's imagination.
Why is quantum theory, the most promising theory, useless for radioactivity?
Rutherford felt worried.
He was worried about the universality of quantum theory and that it would reach a dead end.
Although he had discussed this issue with Li Qiwei in private before.
But he still took it out and added to it.
I just want to see if Li Qiwei has any solution.
Also declared that he, Rutherford, was the authority on atomic radiology and would continue to lead its development.
At this moment, everyone turned their attention to Li Qiwei.
This question is not easy to answer.
The spectral lines are not split, which cannot be solved by adding quantum numbers.
This is a question from another angle.
After listening to Rutherford's question, Li Qiwei showed a look that was indeed the case.
The other party has been studying radioactivity for more than ten years.
But its most essential mechanism has never been understood.
Quantum theory allowed Rutherford to see an opportunity.
So, he will definitely not miss this opportunity.
Rutherford wanted to squeeze Li Qiwei's potential in front of so many people.
He knew that Li Qiwei was the kind of unsolvable being who became more and more awesome the greater the pressure.
It is Rutherford's idea that we must provide strength to the opponent.
Li Qiwei showed an imperceptible bitter smile.
Of course he understands what Rutherford means, but now is not the right time.
So, he said, "I have to say, that's a very good question."
"The interaction of electrons with atomic nuclei creates what is called spectroscopy."
"But regarding radioactivity, physicists currently don't know what is going on inside the atom."
"So , I can only say that the Bohr model cannot answer this question for the time being.”
Boom!
This time the venue was completely shaken.
Bruce actually admitted that he couldn't explain it.
“Oh my God, Professor Rutherford is so awesome. He stumped Professor Bruce with the first question.”
“I can’t even imagine his second question. What will happen to this question?"
"I didn't expect that the incomparable Professor Bruce could not answer the question."
Everyone was talking about it.
Unexpectedly, the first person to stump Bruce was Rutherford.
As expected, only fellow disciples understand each other best.
Kill with one hit.
The people of Cavendish can only be defeated by the people of Cavendish.
The big guys in the front row were not very excited. They were all thinking about Rutherford's problem.
Why radioactivity is so special.
And what Bruce said is that it cannot be solved temporarily.
Could it be that he still has reservations?
Thomson knew Li Qiwei well. He said: "Bruce will never answer a question so simply."
"Even if he doesn't know the answer to the question, he will definitely give a feasible answer. Research ideas.”
"What he said can only mean that he has already considered this issue."
"So when Rutherford asked, he could answer directly without thinking about it."
"Because he has known this question for a long time, and there is no answer yet."
All the big guys nodded in unison, obviously recognizing Thomson's analysis.
You know, Bruce also praised Bohr before. Although he didn't know the answer, he had the courage to work hard to analyze the problem.
How could he, as a teacher, be inferior to Bohr?
So the other party must not have finished speaking yet.
Probably only Wilson in the crowd saw it most clearly.
Li Qiwei’s methods are very good.
“What do you know? This is called delayed pretense.”
"I bet Bruce must have known about this problem for a long time and already had an idea."
"That's why he is so confident."
"We'll see."
"He must be making a prediction again."
As expected, just as everyone was whispering to each other, they were surprised by Professor Bruce's first defeat.
Li Qiwei suddenly continued loudly: "Of course, although Bohr's model cannot explain this problem."
"But I know where the problem lies."
"Since physicists confirmed the structure of atoms Since its existence, our research on atoms has continued to deepen. "Professor Thomson discovered electrons and proved that atoms can be subdivided."
"And Bohr's model. Describes how electrons move around the nucleus ”
“Have you discovered the problem?”
“We actually know nothing about the nucleus.”
“Can the nucleus move?”
“Can the nucleus move again? Can it be divided? ”
“If it can be divided again, what does it consist of?”
"Atomic research is divided into composition research and structure research."
"And structure research is based on composition."
"At present, we have only explored the level of the atomic nucleus, so the description The Bohr model of structure can only reach the nucleus and electrons."
Speaking of this, Li Qiwei suddenly looked excited, clenched his right hand hard, and said confidently:
"So, I am. This is a bold prediction.”
"The radioactivity of atoms must come from the internal activities of the nucleus."
"I think the nucleus can be subdivided."
"It is precisely the discovery of some kind of relationship between its components. The interaction creates radioactivity."
"And once we know the composition and structure of the nucleus, the Bohr model can be logically advanced to the inside of the nucleus."
"By then, perhaps quantum theory will undergo earth-shaking changes."
Li Qiwei had just finished speaking.
Boom!
The venue fell into deathly silence again.
Everyone was stunned by Li Qiwei’s words.
It turns out that the other party's research has reached such an in-depth level.
“Oh my God, is this Professor Bruce’s explanation? Why do I feel so proud despite defeat.”
“Oh my god, Professor Bruce started to predict again, which means that the nucleus There must be something else going on, this is a Nobel Prize-level research direction."
"I have decided to start research on the atomic nucleus immediately after returning from the meeting."
"I believe Bruce. The professor’s predictions even surpassed his theory.”
Everyone present did not expect that Bruce would answer Rutherford's question with a prophecy.
However, what is most incredible to everyone is that almost everyone subconsciously chooses to believe Professor Bruce's words.
As if it were a prophecy from God, it would definitely happen.
At this moment, everyone understood what Professor Bruce meant.
That is because the development of physics has not reached that point yet, so the Bohr model cannot do anything.
Just like when atoms were not even discovered, no matter how talented a person was, it was impossible to come up with a quantized orbital model.
You must first have phenomena and material reality, and then you will have supporting theories.
Otherwise, what do you want to study with this theory?
Even if Maxwell's equations claim to predict the existence of electromagnetic waves, they can only be concluded on the basis of various electromagnetic phenomena.
If he didn’t even have the concepts of electricity and magnetism, no matter how genius Maxwell was, he wouldn’t be able to come up with equations out of thin air.
Now, the Bohr model encounters the same problem.
Only when the electron appears first, can the theory describing it appear.
And now, a new phenomenon arises from inside the nucleus.
It's like humans just discovered the existence of electricity.
The next step is to explore its essence.
For radioactivity, its essence is the composition and structure of the atomic nucleus.
“Then I understand that it was not Professor Bruce’s failure in this round, but the limitations of the theory itself.”
“It’s a tie between the two.”
While ordinary people were still discussing whether Li Qiwei had lost, the big guys in the front row felt huge waves in their hearts.
What Li Qiwei just said almost pointed out a new direction for atomic research.
That's the nucleus.
Once the nucleus is figured out, perhaps the atom will have no secrets anymore.
At this moment, many big guys felt a sense of urgency.
Looking at everyone’s expressions, Li Qiwei thought that he might as well add something more exciting.
“As you know, I am a theoretical physicist.”
"When it comes to doing experiments, I can't keep up with Professor Rutherford."
"But my doctoral topic is experimental research."
"At that time, I used alpha particles to bombard This is how the structure of the atomic nucleus was discovered."
"I think bombardment is a very important method for atomic research."
"Of course, this method. It was invented by Professor Rutherford, and I learned it from his master.”
Everyone laughed.
But then they thought about it and realized that Professor Bruce rarely did experiments. He mainly did purely theoretical research.
“So, I think we can still consider using bombardment in subsequent research on atomic nuclei.”
“As for what to use as target material, what to use as bombardment particles, and how to bombard, then It’s all about everyone here.”
“But there is one thing I can confirm.”
"No matter who discovers what phenomenon, don't hesitate, it will definitely be a Nobel Prize-level result."
"So everyone, work hard."
At this time, the venue completely exploded. .
Li Qiwei’s words were like giving half a pound of chicken blood to those present, especially the young scholars and students.
This is a new field.
No one has achieved anything so far.
Of course there must be many people studying it privately.
But as long as there is no first breakthrough, it means that everyone has a chance.
However, when these passionate young people really try to experiment, they will find that they have thought too much.
They couldn't even assemble the instruments well.
In this era, those who are qualified to do atomic research are all top bosses.
Without top-notch laboratories and sophisticated instruments, it would be a pipe dream to study atomic nuclei.
So although Li Qiwei expressed his thoughts, Rutherford didn't care and sat firmly on the Diaoyutai.
He is very confident and everyone else will be his foil.
I really thought that Rutherford had been fooling around for more than ten years.
He has improved several versions of various experimental instruments.
This is also the reason why Li Qiwei does not do many things by himself.
Because his doctoral thesis has proven that these days' experimental equipment is really difficult and too labor-intensive.
His golden fingers are various theories in his mind, rather than a small warehouse carrying various high-precision instruments with him.
Li Qiwei is not self-effacing. When it comes to experiments, he can't compare to Rutherford among ten, and he can't even compare to Master Qian.
Therefore, he has made up his mind to establish his character as a theoretical physicist.
A piece of paper, a pen, and a table are all his weapons.
At this time, Rutherford smiled and said: "Bruce, it seems that the first question has no result."
"However, this has nothing to do with you or the theory, it is physics. The reason for the limitations of academic development.”
“But there is no way you can avoid answering my second question directly.”
"Otherwise, it will shake the theoretical foundation of Bohr's model."
Wow!
Rutherford’s words shook the venue instantly.
What is the problem and is it so fatal?
“My God, is this the climax of the meeting? Professor Rutherford is really holding back his big move.”
"It actually shakes the foundation of the theory. Doesn't that mean that if you can't answer it, it means that Bohr's model has huge flaws, just like the special theory of relativity?"
"I really can't imagine what the problem is."< br>
At this moment, even Bohr was extremely nervous.
What is the problem that has such a big impact on my theory?
Li Qiwei smiled faintly and said, "Please continue."
(End of this chapter)