On the importance of experiment in the development of quantum theory

Abstract

This article examines models and theories of energy and matter behaviour developed in microscopic experiments of quantum mechanics; the branch of physics relating to the very small, which studies the physical properties of nature at atomic scales and subatomic particles. It is based on the idea that energy, at the sub-atomic level, can only be emitted and absorbed in discrete amounts - small units – called “quanta”. We begin by remembering that the ideas of the philosopher Democritus, on the assumption of a finite division of matter, led to the search for the atom, allowing the development of what is now known as physics. It is particularly discussed how the understanding of electricity made it possible to affirm and discover the nature of the atom, not as Democritus thought, but that its existence as a basic component of matter could be verified. In this text, we make a path of experiments and ideas that led to the current model of the atom, and that allowed the development of a theory about its nature and properties. Finally, conclusions on this brief study are presented.