Chapter 46 Who in the world doesn’t recognize you?
When Baron Rayleigh and three other bigwigs acquiesced, the controversy over quantum theory finally ended.
As the principle of the photoelectric effect was clearly demonstrated on the blackboard, all the physicists present understood that the world of physics was about to change.
A completely new theory of physics, its significance is immeasurable.
The professors at Oxford University were originally dejected, but they soon cheered up.
"Oh my god, what kind of genius were we arguing with before? I'm a little ashamed when I think about it now."
"It's hard to imagine that he was only a 20-year-old undergraduate. I'm afraid he was not much different from Newton."
"In terms of influence, there is still a long way to go. After all, both quantum theory and the photoelectric effect work in the microscopic world and currently have little impact on the real world."
"A new theory is a major advance in physics anyway, and we should learn it."
Anyway, quantum theory was not refuted. The one who was unlucky was Vice President Lucas. As professors, they were now able to come into contact with a completely new theory of physics, and their excitement was beyond words.
Moreover, maybe they can even offer more courses and earn more tuition fees. It is said that Newton invented calculus in order to increase the income of the college, because if you fail the exam, you have to retake it and pay for it.
Seeing that no one asked any more questions, Lord Kelvin prepared to declare the debate over.
There is so much content in this meeting, especially the photoelectric effect at the end, which requires careful digestion.
Suddenly, Li Qiwei made a request, "Lord, I have something to say about the photoelectric effect."
"Oh?" Lord Kelvin was stunned, then said: "Bruce, please feel free. I think everyone here will like to listen to you."
After saying this, there was a burst of laughter.
Li Qiwei touched his nose awkwardly, then said seriously: "The last thing I want to say is actually an initiative."
“As we all know, since the beginning of physics, it has been accompanied by mutual verification between theory and experiment.”
“The great masters of physics in the past were often both the originators of theories and the verifiers of experiments.”
“But as academia continues to develop, physics is becoming more and more in-depth and professional, and even for giants, it is difficult to do both.”
"Moreover, physics now tends to pay more attention to theories and phenomena, while neglecting experiments and prop design."
"Newton's law of universal gravitation and Maxwell's electromagnetic equations are all great achievements of pure theory."
"In contrast, the experimental verification of these theories is often more like a supplement."
“In other words, physicists who engage in experiments are far less eye-catching than physicists who engage in theory.”
"I think that's unreasonable."
"For example, my senior brother, Wilson, although he is not as good as me in theory, but when it comes to designing instruments and experiments, I can't catch up with him even if I try my best."
At this point, everyone knew what Li Qiwei was going to say, and they couldn't help but be impressed by his broad-mindedness.
Wilson looked at him in disbelief, his heart filled with emotion.
Ridgway continued: "Therefore, I propose that future physics research can be divided into theoretical physics and experimental physics."
“Theoretical physics focuses on exploring unknown structures, interactions and material movements in nature, or discovering new phenomena.”
"Experimental physics explores the material world and natural laws through experiments, while verifying the correctness of theories and phenomena."
"They are both equally important components of physics."
After he finished speaking, there was another round of thunderous applause from the audience, especially from the teachers who taught experimental courses in the schools, who agreed with him from the bottom of their hearts.
Yes, people who do physics experiments are often considered to have no ability and can only do some craftsmanship.
And now, a theoretical physicist who may be the most talented in the world has taken the initiative to speak out for the experimental school. How can we not be moved?
Wilson even clapped his hands until they turned red. He decided that he would have a few drinks with Li Qiwei when he got back.
Li Qiwei looked at everyone's expressions and felt very emotional.
He moved the later division of physics forward by 20 to 30 years in order to accelerate the development of physics.
In this era, there are actually not as many laboratories in universities as one might imagine, and there are more privately owned laboratories.
When the big guys were happy, they would do some experiments, and when they were unhappy, they would go out to have fun, and they did not regard experiments as a physical science. Moreover, due to the inconvenience of communication (compared to later generations), often after the theory was proposed, no one could or thought to immediately use experiments to prove it.
This has led to slow progress in physics.
Historically, Einstein proposed the theoretical proof of the photoelectric effect in 1905, but it was not until 1916 that it was experimentally proven by American physicist Millikan.
There are certainly many reasons for this, but the slow development caused by the lack of attention to experiments is definitely an important factor.
So, he added: "In order to show the importance I attach to experimental physics, I have decided not to participate in the experimental demonstration of the photoelectric effect myself."
"If you can design an experiment to prove it, then the corresponding results and honors will belong to you."
Wow!
This caused a complete sensation in the venue.
Everyone was shocked by Li Qiwei's courage.
An analogy will help you understand the weight of this sentence.
Maxwell theoretically predicted the existence of electromagnetic waves in 1865, and Hertz proved the existence of electromagnetic waves through experiments in 1888, thus becoming famous and becoming one of the top physicists.
It is no exaggeration to say that if one can verify a great theory, then the achievement itself is great.
And now, Li Qiwei has announced that he will not participate in the experiment.
How could people not be surprised?
However, think about it, with two major theoretical achievements in hand: quantum theory (after the meeting, Li Qiwei decided not to call it quantum mechanics for the time being, waiting for it to be improved) and the photoelectric effect.
Li Qiwei no longer needs additional honors. He is now the world's top physicist, on par with greats such as Roentgen.
From this moment on, at least in the world of physics, he, Li Qiwei, deserves the saying: Who in the world doesn't know you?
Of course, since he is still too young, his fame may be a little lacking, but all these will come naturally in the future.
But it's different for others.
Millikan's eyes were burning in the audience. He planned to start designing the experiment immediately after returning to the United States.
Quantum theory and the photoelectric effect will definitely become the mainstream topics in the physics community in the future. As long as he can prove them, his professor position will be absolutely secure.
Unfortunately, even Li Qiwei himself doesn’t know whether his butterfly wings will cause historical changes.
Soon, today's meeting ended in a warm atmosphere.
Li Qiwei looked at Plank and smiled with relief, and then the two of them walked off the stage together.
Only after shaking hands and getting to know the big guys one by one did Li Qiwei finally come to his senses.
The intense debate just now had almost consumed all of his energy. His brain was working like crazy and was about to explode.
Even a time traveler would feel overwhelmed and terrified when facing such a group of top humans.
Of course, if Li Qiwei did not follow the rules of martial arts and revealed too many secrets, there would be no pressure at all. However, he would probably be taken away by the British military on the spot.
Next, everyone went to have afternoon tea at the buffet, rested for a while, and then the normal academic exchange meeting began.
After all, the Royal Society of London is holding such a large-scale conference, and it is definitely not just for Ridgway alone.
Instead, it is a good opportunity for the world's top physicists to exchange ideas and discuss academic issues, thereby enhancing the UK's scientific influence.
In the restaurant, besides the smell of delicious food, there was also the fragrance of knowledge in the air, which made people feel relaxed and happy. Li Qiwei was chatting and laughing with the big guys there.
At this time, Lord Kelvin walked towards him with a smile on his face, accompanied by an old man who looked to be around 60 years old. "Bruce, let me introduce you to a friend."
The old man said, "Hello, Mr. Bruce, I am Ernest Solvay."
Thank you to all the new and old book friends for your recommendations.
(End of this chapter)