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Werner Heisenberg: (December 5, 1901 - February 1, 1976) Contributions to the Philosophy of Science

By DanielleAlexis84

  • Quantum Mechanics

    Quantum Mechanics
    German physicist and philosopher, Werner Heisenberg played an important role in the creation of quantum mechanics. Heisenberg wrote a paper in 1925 called “Quantum-theoretical reinterpretation of kinematic and mechanical relations.” This paper along with papers by Max Born and Pascual Jordan is how the formuation of quantum mechanics was created. Work Cited:
    Physics World. "Winning Moment." Photograph. Werner Heisenberg: controversial scientist. IOP Publishing, 30 Nov. 2001. Web. 21 Nov. 2020.

  • The Principle of Uncertainty

    The Principle of Uncertainty
    At the age of 26, Heisenberg formulated the principle of uncertainty which he published in 1927. It is the main principle of quantum mechanics and states that, if we know everything about where a particle is located, we know nothing about its momentum, and vice versa. He also created the Gamma Ray Microscope, which give a picture or more so a thought experiment in order to provide more of a physical basis to support his theory.

  • Nobel Prize Winner

    Nobel Prize Winner
    Heisenberg made various contributions to the theories the atomic nucleus, cosmic rays, subatomic particles, ferromagnetism, and the hydrodynamics of turbulent flows. In 1932, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the creation of quantum mechanics.

  • Hilter's Rise to Power

    During 1933, which around Hitler’s rise to power, Heisenberg decided to create a behind the scenes protest to let others know he did not agree with the crudity measure being displayed by Hitler. He wrote a letter to the grand old man of German science, Max Planck. Heisenberg wrote to Born, a Jew, in June 1933 after Planck had visited Hitler, “and obtained the assurance that nothing will be undertaken beyond the new civil service law that will impede our science.”

  • The Captured of Heisenberg

    In 1945, Heisenberg was hunted down, captured, and arrested in Urfeld by US and UK soldiers who sent him to England. Some research states that the Germans captured due to him not wanting to fully participate in creating the atomic bomb, while others say that the US and UK captured him because they feared that the Germans may create some sort of atomic weapon. https://youtu.be/xVG5lWn4hd8

  • Atomic Physics Chairman

    Atomic Physics Chairman
    In 1952, he served as the chairman of the Commission for Atomic Physics of the DFG. Also that year, he headed the German delegation to the European Council for Nuclear Research.

  • Nuclear Reactor

    Although there was some controversy regarding his previous work during World War II with the atomic bomb, Heisenberg was quite instrumental in planning the first West German nuclear reactor at Karlsruhe, together with a research reactor in Munich, in 1957. During this He gained a great interest in the process of nuclear fusion and plasma physics. Afterwards he collaborated with the International Institute of Atomic Physics in Geneva. https://youtu.be/xVG5lWn4hd8