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Discovery of Allotropic Forms of Hydrogen
Heisenberg theorized that we cannot assign a position in space to an electron or follow it in its orbit, so we cannot assume that the planetary orbits postulated by Niels Bohr actually exist. Mechanical quantities, such as position and velocity, should be represented, not by ordinary numbers, but by abstract mathematical structures called “matrices”. He formulated this theory in terms of matrix equations which led to the discovery of allotropic forms of hydrogen (The Nobel Prize). -
The Uncertainty Principle
Werner Heisenberg published the uncertainty principle, or indeterminacy principle, which theorizes that the position and velocity of particle can not both be measured exactly, simultaneously, even in theory. Heisenberg developed and observed this theory with quantum mechanics which determined that absolute causal determinism was impossible; a philosophically profound conclusion (Beyler, 2022). TED-Ed video on the uncertainty principle: The Uncertainty Principle -
Nobel Prize
Werner Heisenberg received the 1932 Nobel Prize for Physics for his 1925 theory, and applications of that theory, which led to the discovery of allotropic forms of hydrogen (The Nobel Prize). -
Fission Research
From 1935-1945 Heisenberg was drafted to the Berlin Army Weapons Bureau to explore the practical application of nuclear fission which involves the splitting of atomic nuclei which releases enormous amounts of energy. The goal of this project was to create a nuclear bomb which ultimately failed (American Institute of Physics).