Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976)

By KyleEnglish

  • Uncertainty Principle

    Heisenberg formulates the uncertainty principle, which states that it is impossible to determine both the position and momentum of a subatomic particle with absolute precision. This principle was a key development in the field of quantum mechanics and challenged traditional notions of determinism and causality in science. https://youtu.be/TQKELOE9eY4

  • The Physical Principles of the Quantum Theory

    Heisenberg, Werner. The Physical Principles of the Quantum Theory. University of Chicago Press, 1930.

  • Nobel Prize

    Heisenberg is awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his contributions to the development of quantum mechanics.

  • Kaiser Wilhelm

    Heisenberg becomes director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics in Berlin, a position he held until the end of World War II.

  • Atomic Bomb

    Heisenberg gives a lecture series in Berlin in which he discusses the possibility of developing an atomic bomb. He is criticized for not making more progress in this area, and some speculate that he intentionally sabotaged the Nazi's atomic weapons program.

  • Physics and Philosophy: The Revolution in Modern Science

    Heisenberg, Werner. Physics and Philosophy: The Revolution in Modern Science. Harper & Row, 1958.