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Birth
Werner Heisenberg was born December 5th 1901 to Kaspar Ernst August Heisenberg, a school teacher of classical languages, and Annie Wecklein. (Wikepedia) -
The Uncertainty Principle
First expressed via letter "On the Perceptual Content of Quantum Theoretical Kinematics and Mechanics," Werner Heisenberg presented the revolutionary theory called the uncertainty principle (Menaker). Essentially, it claims that we cannot know the exact position and exact momentum of a particle simultaneously. Due to this principle, scientists have to decide whether to observe the wave nature or particle nature of matter (Wiens). -
The Uncertainty Principle (VIDEO LINK)
This video gives a good explanation of Werner Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, "that you can never simultaneously know the exact position and the exact speed of an object. This is because everything in the universe behaves like both a particle and a wave at the same time." (TED-Ed). Link text -
Proton-Neutron Model
Shortly after the discovery of the neutron, Heisenberg developed a proton-neutron model of the nucleus with the help of Dmitri Ivanenko. We still use this model today to describe atoms and their make up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. It was "a major step towards understanding the nucleus as a quantum mechanical system" (Brown and Rechenberg 35).Heisenberg's work trumped previous theories, like Bohrs, on the atom structure in regards to the position of electrons in an atom. -
Nuclear Fission (Click on the image to see the GIF visual of nuclear fission!)
Heisenberg presents a lecture to Reich officials regarding the acquisition of energy from Nuclear fission. He made claims that nuclear fission contains incredible energy potential, stating that "250 million electron volts could be released through the fission of an atomic nucleus" (Wikipedia). These writings corresponded with the interest of military application to develop a bomb. Heisenberg claimed that "the war will be long over before the first atom bomb is built." (Cassidy) -
Physics and Philosophy: the Revolution in Modern Science
Werner Heisenberg published his work "Physics and Philosophy: The Revolution in Modern Science". In this book, he breaks down the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics, believing that physics isn't independent of philosophy (Northrop, 12). "For such reasons it may not be an unimportant task to try to discuss these ideas of modern physics in a not too technical language, to study their philosophical consequences, and to compare them with some of the older traditions." (Heisenberg, 33) -
Death
Werner Heisenberg died of cancer on February 1, 1976 at the age of 74. (McPhee, 137)
