Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of illustrations
- Preface
- Part I Perspectives on the 1927 Solvay conference
- Part II Quantum foundations and the 1927 Solvay conference
- Part III The proceedings of the 1927 Solvay conference
- 13 The intensity of X-ray reflection
- 14 Disagreements between experiment and the electromagnetic theory of radiation
- 15 The new dynamics of quanta
- 16 Quantum mechanics
- 17 Wave mechanics
- 18 General discussion of the new ideas presented
- Appendix
- Bibliography
- Index
14 - Disagreements between experiment and the electromagnetic theory of radiation
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 March 2013
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- List of illustrations
- Preface
- Part I Perspectives on the 1927 Solvay conference
- Part II Quantum foundations and the 1927 Solvay conference
- Part III The proceedings of the 1927 Solvay conference
- 13 The intensity of X-ray reflection
- 14 Disagreements between experiment and the electromagnetic theory of radiation
- 15 The new dynamics of quanta
- 16 Quantum mechanics
- 17 Wave mechanics
- 18 General discussion of the new ideas presented
- Appendix
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
Introduction
Professor W. L. Bragg has just discussed a whole series of radiation phenomena in which the electromagnetic theory is confirmed. He has even dwelt on some of the limiting cases, such as the reflection of X-rays by crystals, in which the electromagnetic theory of radiation gives us, at least approximately, a correct interpretation of the facts, although there are reasons to doubt that its predictions are truly exact. I have been left the task of pleading the opposing cause to that of the electromagnetic theory of radiation, seen from the experimental viewpoint.
I have to declare from the outset that in playing this role of the accuser I have no intention of diminishing the importance of the electromagnetic theory as applied to a great variety of problems. It is, however, only by acquainting ourselves with the real or apparent failures of this powerful theory that we can hope to develop a more complete theory of radiation which will describe the facts as we know them.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Quantum Theory at the CrossroadsReconsidering the 1927 Solvay Conference, pp. 301 - 340Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2009