Chen Muwu feels that starting from this spring, he basically has no free time.
At the beginning, he originally planned to stop and take a rest after completing the electron diffraction experiment and give himself a good vacation.
Then, Chen Muwu met Stoner, who was doing experiments on the number of electrons outside the nucleus, next door to the electron diffraction laboratory.
There's no way around it, you can't give up on the merit that comes to your door, right? He could only accept the Chen Incompatibility Principle with tears.
Since we chose to announce the Chen Exclusion Principle to the physics community in the lecture at the Solvay Conference, it is not too much to propose that electrons have spin and provide a theoretical explanation for this Exclusion Principle, right?
Just after that speech, Chen Muwu accidentally met Schrödinger, the master of cat abuse.
When he saw Schrödinger, he was afraid that others would come up with the wave equation before him, so he could only grit his teeth and come up with the wave equation.
After quantum mechanics had been initially established and papers on matrix mechanics and wave mechanics were finally published, Chen Muwu thought that he could finally take a break this time.
As a result, Dirac first came to the door and "found" the contradiction between his previous Chen statistics and the Chen exclusion principle, and created another Dirac-Chern statistics in quantum statistics.
Then Einstein sent him another letter, forcing Chen Muwu to propose the uncertainty principle and confront the stubborn old man.
In the nine months of this year, Chen Muwu published more academic results than in the whole of last year, even though he wasted more than a month in the middle to prepare for and participate in the Olympics.
In these nine months, he has advanced the historical progress of modern physics by three full years.
The uncertainty principle, Dirac-Chern statistics, and electron diffraction finally proved the wave nature of electrons. In the original space and time, these all only appeared in 1927.
Chen Muwu always felt that there was an invisible hand in the dark, just like the boiling goat behind the Pleasant Goat, always pushing him forward from behind.
…
Chen Muwu always feels that he is tired and hard-working, but little does he know that the theoretical physicists in the world are more tired and hard-working than him because of several papers.
And the source of all evil is Chen Muwu himself.
Before most people could understand why the wave function in the wave equation was a probability wave, Chen Muwu published a new quantum mechanical principle in the "Annals of Physics".
Experimenters' knowledge of a quantum's position limits what they can know about its speed at one time.
When faced with this silly sentence, most people’s first reaction is that they don’t understand it.
But once they read the entire paper and understood what the uncertainty principle was, they realized that the proposer of this principle, Chen Muwu, had gone a step further from matrix mechanics and completely abandoned the existence of electron orbits.
In his reply to Einstein, Chen Muwu mentioned the uncertainty principle for the first time, which completely angered the German physicist.
He believed that Chen Muwu not only failed to return from his lost track, but instead continued to push further. His behavior could be regarded as an academic "declaration of war."
Of course Einstein would not agree with the point of view proposed by the uncertainty principle. For this reason, he specially found reporters from the Berliner Zeitung and sent them interview materials: "I did not agree with the ideas put forward by Bohr from the beginning. Correspondence principle, and therefore does not agree with what he said that physical laws have different manifestations at the macroscopic and microscopic levels.
“Since physics is certain under macroscopic conditions, it should also be certain under microscopic conditions.
"The uncertainty principle proposed by Chen Muwu only means that humans cannot accurately predict and measure certain phenomena, but it does not mean that these natural phenomena are inherently uncertain.
"I'm looking for a more profound law that goes beyond statistical probability to refute his point of view, but it will take some time."
…
One of Chen Muwu's good friends, Dirac, who has always supported various theories proposed by Chen Muwu, also has his own views on the uncertainty principle.
Both of them have moved out of the room on the second floor of Mrs. Brown's house, and the time they spend seeing each other is greatly reduced compared to last year.
But Dirac still found an opportunity to come to the office of the Cavendish Laboratory, meet with Chen Muwu, and put forward some of his opinions to him.
"Chen, the thought experiment you designed in your latest paper is indeed very subtle, and the derivation in it is indeed very rigorous, but I don't think that what you got can exist as a physical principle.
"I may be a little offensive when I say these words in the Cavendish Laboratory. Although physics is always said to be a science based on experiments, I think physics should be a discipline based on mathematics. That's right.
"But the uncertainty principle you proposed is not an equation in mathematics, but just a description of uncertainty. The inequality you proposed may be able to explain some phenomena in physics , but this thing is not clear enough for me and is a bit vague.”
Unlike Einstein who used macroscopic classical physics to deny, Dirac took a different approach this time.
Because his undergraduate degree was in mathematics, Dirac tried to deny the uncertainty principle in mathematics.
Chen Muwu did not intend to have an academic quarrel with his friend, a top student in mathematics, over the areas he was good at.
Instead, he pointed out another way to Dirac: "Paul, my understanding of mathematics is not very deep, but just yesterday, another mathematics master came here to talk to me about this matter.
"If you want to discuss physics issues, of course I welcome it, but if you want to raise this issue to the level of mathematics or philosophy, then I advise you to go to the Cambridge University Observatory and talk with Mr. Eddington."
…
The reason why Chen Muwu mentioned Eddington was because the other math master he mentioned who came to see him yesterday was the director of the Observatory.
Eddington had come to see Chen Muwu once before, asking him for authorization to write a popular science article on the matrix and wave theory of quantum mechanics for the public.
Unlike Dirac who visited today, Eddington highly praised the uncertainty principle proposed by Chen Muwu, just as he had supported Einstein's special and general theories of relativity against all objections.
He even said excitedly to Chen Muwu yesterday, "The uncertainty principle is a basic universal principle, and its importance seems to be as important as the principle of relativity."
Chen Muwu did not expect that when he agreed to let Eddington write a popular science article on quantum mechanics, he would receive such high praise from the latter.
You know, Einstein also became famous in the English world because of the introduction of his popular science articles.
Eddington had no nostalgia for the era of classical physics, and he deeply hated the determinism proposed by the French astronomy predecessor El Laplace.
Laplace once imagined a highly intelligent creature called Laplace's Demon. He knew everything and could accurately tell the position and speed of every object in the universe, so he could predict it based on Newton's laws of motion. The movement trajectory of every object in the universe can be used to infer the history of the entire universe and its future development trends.
Different from Dirac's "physics is a subject based on mathematics", Eddington believed that mathematics is just a tool that serves physics.
Mathematicians should take their responsibilities more seriously than indulge their preference for arithmetic symbols.
Chen Muwu introduced Dirac to Eddington, who had different views than his, and he didn't know who could convince whom in the end.
…
Rutherford was still not interested in the theory proposed by Chen Muwu, but he was also happy to see his students defeat the world's famous physicists.
I never step into the laboratory. My daily job is to sit at my desk and talk with the paper and pen in my hand. Now it’s finally backfired, right?
Do electron orbits exist or not? Is the wave function in the wave equation a probability wave?
Just arguing in physics journals and newspapers will not solve this problem.
If you want to finally prove whether the concept is correct or not, you still have to go back to the laboratory.
Although the current technical means are still unable to explore the truth, the optimistic Rutherford believes that as human beings' technical means become more and more sophisticated, one day everyone will find the answer to the question.
But at the same time, Rutherford had some worries in his heart, that is, his student Chen Muwu might be more suitable for him to engage in theoretical research instead of staying in the Cavendish Laboratory to do experiments.
…
Holding the same view as Rutherford was Bohr, another of his disciples.
After experiencing the betrayal of his junior brother Chen Muwu on the atomic model, Bohr was indeed depressed for a period of time.
But with the help of his new assistant Heisenberg, he quickly accepted the quantum mechanics proposed by Chen Muwu.
After reading Chen Muwu's latest paper on the uncertainty principle in the "Annals of Physics", Bohr always felt that his point of view was very familiar, as if he had seen it somewhere before.
This question troubled Bohr for a day or two, until he dug out the first reply letter sent to him by Chen Muwu last fall in his study.
Bohr looked at the hand-drawn circular pattern on the reply letter and fell into deep thought.
His love for talent once again emerged in his heart, and he felt that Chen Muwu was really unfathomable. This kind of person could no longer stay in the Cavendish Laboratory and waste his youth. He had to be recruited to the Institute of Theoretical Physics.
However, Bohr thought of the invitation he had received not long ago, which had just been ruthlessly rejected by Chen Muwu himself. The reason was that he still had tasks arranged by Rutherford in the laboratory and he really couldn't leave.
So he simply took a different approach this time and wrote the invitation letter to his teacher Rutherford.
…
"Dear teacher:
"After reading several papers by Dr. Chen Muwu recently, I was deeply attracted by his wit and profound physical insights. His knowledge and understanding of theoretical physics far exceed that of a regular graduate student, and I believe in his talent and talent will be important contributions to the field of theoretical physics in the future.
"However, in the Cavendish Laboratory, he was pushed in the direction of the laboratory. Although he also showed outstanding experimental abilities, I believe he should concentrate on studying theoretical physics in depth instead of wasting time on Experimentally. As a teacher and mentor, you must also know this.
"Therefore, I plan to invite Chen Muwu to work at the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Our team is conducting some challenging and meaningful research, and we believe that his joining will have a positive impact on our research. At the same time , we are also willing to provide him with a good working environment, resources and support to ensure that he can succeed.
“I very much hope that Chen Muwu can join our team, carry out meaningful research with us, and make greater progress in the field of theoretical physics.
“Sincere regards,
"Niels Bohr"
After reading the letter on the sofa in Rutherford's office, Chen Muwu carefully raised his head.
He couldn't see any emotion on Rutherford's face, so he couldn't guess what his teacher was thinking.
What did he mean by reading this letter to himself?
Do you want to ask your opinion on Bohr's invitation again, or is it just a test of loyalty?
However, Bohr was really brave. He actually dared to tell Rutherford directly in his letter that theory is much more important than experiment.
Seeing Chen Muwu raise his head, as if he had finished reading the letter, Rutherford opened his mouth and asked what his students thought.
“After you rejected Nils last time, he actually wrote an invitation letter to me this time.
"But he was really rude in his letter. He actually said that doing experiments is a waste of time. Maybe it is true for him. After all, he is Bohr, and like you, he is the best student I have ever taught.
"Chen, regarding this second invitation letter from Bohr, have you changed your mind now?"
Chen Muwu had previously rejected Bohr's invitation because he wanted to stay at Cambridge University and wait for the arrival of Zhao Zhongyao and Shi Ruwei.
But today is different from the past. Chen Muwu feels that he can take a trip to Denmark as a way to put down his work and go to Northern Europe to relax.
Hearing that Rutherford's tone was still as relaxed and happy as usual, Chen Muwu realized that the teacher didn't mean to be angry at all.
He also finally confirmed that Rutherford was indeed asking him for advice.
So Chen Muwu carefully expressed his true thoughts: "Well, teacher, if possible, I would like to take a trip to Copenhagen. It's not impossible."
"Well, since you have this intention, then I can't keep you here.
"When you go back, write an application and I'll ask James to go through the process for you according to the business trip procedures."
With an annual funding of 10,000 pounds, Rutherford also became rich.
A year ago, even Rutherford, the director of the Cavendish Laboratory, would only consider traveling to other places if the conference party provided round-trip travel expenses.
Fowler is the only one in the entire laboratory who can travel at public expense every year without any worries.
However, his source of funding was not from the Cavendish Laboratory, but from the Department of Mathematics.
"Thank you teacher."
Rutherford struggled in his mind, and then continued: "Chen, I want to know, what do you think about experiment and theory?"
“If you, like Bohr, feel that theory is more important than experiment, you don’t have to leave the Cavendish Laboratory to study theory, go to Denmark, and stay at Cambridge University. You can still study theory as you like.
"I can help you apply for the position of Lucas Chair Professor of Mathematics, or it might be a good idea to create a new position of Professor of Theoretical Physics for you in the Cavendish Laboratory."
Lucas Mathematics Professor?
This teaching position is really amazing, it can be called the greatest position in the entire University of Cambridge.
Not that this professor has much power, but because the candidate for the second Lucas Mathematics Professor is one of the greatest physicists in human history, Isaac Newton.
In order to keep Chen Muwu, Rutherford actually offered such a big bargaining chip.
In his heart, he seemed to be afraid that Chen Muwu would never return from his trip to Denmark and stay there to study physical theory.
He had already lost a Bohr, and he must not let Bohr abduct another theoretical genius.
Chen Muwu also heard what Rutherford meant from his words.
He chuckled to himself, his teacher was really careless.
First of all, he would definitely not leave the embrace of experimental physics so early. After all, there are still so many particles waiting for him to discover.
Secondly, even if he wanted to study theoretical physics, Chen Muwu did not intend to rely on anyone else, not to mention that that person was Bohr.
It's okay to be friends with him, but as a superior and subordinate... it's best not to.
Moreover, he was really moved by the conditions Rutherford promised.
Although I can't meet Newton, if I can inherit his mantle, wouldn't it be a kind of affirmation for myself?
So he comforted Rutherford: "Teacher, please don't worry. I won't be gone for too long. I will only be there for about a month or two. It shouldn't delay the development of the electron microscope too much."
Oh, by the way, there’s also the matter of electron microscopy.
Rutherford felt that the electron microscope in Chen Muwu's mouth was even more unreliable than the "Wolf Who Cried" in the fairy tale. He didn't know that it would take many years to see the finished product in the Cavendish Laboratory.
If it really doesn't work, let someone else take charge of this matter.
"That would be perfect. I'm at Cambridge University, waiting for you to come back for Christmas."
After hearing Chen Muwu's promise, Rutherford felt a little relieved.
Although he complained about Chen Muwu in his heart because of the electron microscope, he still had a smile on his face.
…
Now that he has decided to leave for Denmark, there are still a lot of odds and ends waiting for Chen Muwu to do before leaving.
The first is to "arrange funeral arrangements."
He has just left, but what should he do with his three students?
Should we take it away together, or leave it to someone else temporarily?
After careful consideration, Chen Muwu finally decided to keep Zhao Zhongyao and Shi Ruwei, entrust them to Kapitsa, who also belonged to the Cavendish Laboratory and Trinity College, and take Oppenheimer to Denmark.
He did not make this decision out of partiality.
On the one hand, it was because with further contact, Chen Muwu learned that in order to send his favorite student abroad, Ye Qisun actually let Shi Ruwei, who was supposed to graduate as an undergraduate in 1925, graduate a year early.
One year less study time caused him to be slightly inferior to others in terms of knowledge.
It is much more beneficial for two people to stay in Cambridge and learn basic knowledge than to take them to Denmark for sightseeing.
On the other hand, it was because Oppenheimer was too harsh.
Oppenheimer and Rutherford had always disliked each other.
Chen Muwu was afraid that if he left, Oppenheimer, who stayed at Cambridge University, would cause some earth-shaking events.
After confirming the personnel, Chen Muwu took Oppenheimer to London and went to the Danish Embassy in the UK to apply for a visa.
When Zhu Zhaoxin learned that Chen Muwu was leaving the UK for a two-month business trip in Denmark, he sent a telegram to the Republic of China Embassy in Denmark, asking Charge d'Affaires Xu Zhaoxiong to take good care of him.
After all these things were settled, Chen Muwu took Oppenheimer and left Cambridge University.
This time they did not choose to cross the English Channel by boat from Dover and then take the land route from France to Germany and then to Denmark.
Instead, go directly north from Cambridgeshire to Norwich, take a boat from Norwich Port across the North Sea, and arrive at the Danish port city of Helsingør.
Having crossed the English Channel by boat several times this year, Chen Muwu never felt sick once.
So he began to have confidence in his physical condition and felt that the seasickness he had experienced before from Tianli to Shanghai was just an accident.
However, the strong winds and waves on the North Sea did not make Chen Muwu stand on the deck and shout loudly "Let the storm come more violently" like Gorky's Haiyan, but directly shook him to doubt his life.
During the day-and-night voyage, Chen Muwu couldn't stop feeling nauseous and vomiting, and basically never got out of bed.
If he had known this was the case, Chen Muwu would rather take a long way around and take the train than go to sea and suffer this fate.
His reaction to seasickness this time was greater than any other reaction before. The next day, the ship docked at Helsingor, and Chen Muwu was stunned to be carried down the gangway step by step by Oppenheimer.
Even before he became the principal, he had already gained Wang Yong.
The two stayed one night in a local hotel in Helsingborg, and Oppenheimer was still taking care of his teacher.
After resting for another whole day, Chen Muwu finally came back to life with full health.
His mood gradually became happier, but he completely forgot that in the middle school Chinese class, the teacher once listed one item when explaining the role of environmental description, that is, environmental description often also has the role of symbolism and suggestion.
Chen Muwu’s trip to Denmark is destined to not be smooth sailing.
(End of chapter)
