100 years ago, Schrödinger’s equation shed light on quantum physics
This article explores the 100-year history of Schrödinger’s equation, which fundamentally changed how scientists understand quantum physics. It explains how particles at the nanoscale behave as waves and how probabilities are used to predict their behavior.
Why it matters
Provides historical and scientific context for the foundational principles that enable modern quantum computing and chemical engineering.
At the quantum level, particles act like waves rather than discrete points. GarryKillian/iStock via Getty Images https://theconversation.com/100-years-ago-schrodingers-equation-shed-light-on-quantum-physics-scientists-use-it-today-to-fine-tune-chemical-reactions-284912 https://theconversation.com/100-years-ago-schrodingers-equation-shed-light-on-quantum-physics-scientists-use-it-today-to-fine-tune-chemical-reactions-284912 Link copied Share article Share article
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The objects you interact with every day are predictable – you can pick up a box, sit down in a chair without falling to the floor, or open a door without your hand passing through the knob. But if you zoom in on these objects all the way to the quantum level – where you look at the individual atoms – you’ll find that things start to behave somewhat strangely .
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