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the essence of quantum theory is energy quantization
'''Quantum mechanics''' consists of the breakthrough in [[physics]] in the 1920s in understanding how particles behave inside [[atom]]s. Classical mechanics, as initially discovered by [[Isaac Newton]], cannot explain atomic behavior. [[Erwin Schrodinger]] is generally credited with the formulation of the Schrodinger equation, around 1926. Other contributions were from [[Werner Heisenberg]], [[Niels Bohr]], [[John von Neumann]], and [[Hermann Weyl]].
'''Quantum mechanics''' consists of the breakthrough in [[physics]] in the 1920s in understanding how particles behave inside [[atom]]s.
{{quotebox|the essence of quantum theory is [[energy quantization]]<ref> [http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/print/373 Max Planck: the reluctant revolutionary - physicsworld.com]</ref>}}
Classical mechanics, as initially discovered by [[Isaac Newton]], cannot explain atomic behavior. [[Erwin Schrodinger]] is generally credited with the formulation of the Schrodinger equation, around 1926. Other contributions were from [[Werner Heisenberg]], [[Niels Bohr]], [[John von Neumann]], and [[Hermann Weyl]].
Classical mechanics would predict that an [[electron]] orbits a [[proton]] just as planets orbit the sun. Classical [[electromagnetism]] would predict that the orbiting electron would emit a time-varying electrical field just as a radio station does. But the electron would lose energy as it emits this [[radiation]], and would orbit closer and closer to the proton, until it collapses into the proton! Such a model cannot be correct.
Classical mechanics would predict that an [[electron]] orbits a [[proton]] just as planets orbit the sun. Classical [[electromagnetism]] would predict that the orbiting electron would emit a time-varying electrical field just as a radio station does. But the electron would lose energy as it emits this [[radiation]], and would orbit closer and closer to the proton, until it collapses into the proton! Such a model cannot be correct.