Exploring the Classical Foundations of Quantum Phenomena: A Deep Dive into the Transparency of Glass

When I first ventured from engineering research into the realm of physics, it was driven by a desire to understand the limitations of classical physics and its inability to explain phenomena we now attribute to quantum mechanics. Physics, after all, is the science of understanding how things work—a fundamental branch from which all other sciences emerge. So, how can any phenomenon be beyond its reach?

Classical Physics: Beyond Newton's and Einstein's Realm

My exploration over the years has led me to the realization that there is not a single phenomenon that cannot be explained through classical physics. The key to this understanding lies not just in the work of Newton and Einstein, but in the broader construct of physics built upon the simplest assumptions using simple logic, akin to Euclid’s geometry. In this approach, we undertake a meticulous and rigorous examination of the laws of space and radiation, and the conservation laws.

Mathematics itself, often seen as separate from physics, is also an integral part of this framework. The rules of mathematics are crafted in such a way that they ensure our conclusions do not stray from common knowledge, common sense, and practical sense.

The Wave-Particle Duality and Beyond

The wave-particle duality observed in quantum mechanics is not a quantum phenomenon per se, but rather a result of the vibration inherent in the fabric of space, which is classical in nature and discrete. Similarly, the energy levels within an atom are a consequence of this vibration and the confinement of electrons. The mass-energy equivalence proposed by Einstein is the outcome of radiation condensing into mass.

The increase in mass with speed can be attributed to the absorption of radiation that carries momentum and energy. The various attributes of mass, such as spin, charge, magnetic dipole moment, the inverse square law of gravity, and electricity, are the result of radiation being trapped in endless loops as mass is created. The interaction of electrons is governed by Maxwell's electromagnetic equations, and the geometry of energy levels in atoms plays a crucial role in determining the nature of this interaction.

Physics and the Transparency of Glass

One specific phenomenon that has always fascinated me is the transparency of glass. It might seem as though this is a quantum phenomenon, but in fact, it can be explained through classical physics. The electromagnetic spectrum used to pass through glass is absorbed and re-emitted at the same frequency, allowing light to travel through without significant distortion. This is due to the collective motion of electrons within the glass, responding to a specific frequency of radiation.

The appearance of matter as either opaque, translucent, or reflective can be understood in terms of the interaction between the electromagnetic radiation and the vibrational states of the material. For instance, opaque matter fully absorbs radiation, whereas translucent materials partially re-emit it. Polished metals, on the other hand, reflect radiation, and this reflection can occur at very specific wavelengths.

Modern Physics and Its Classical Roots

Modern physics, including quantum mechanics (QM), special relativity (SR), and general relativity (GR), can be seen as sub-branches that arise from the more fundamental classical physics. The principles of quantum mechanics, such as confinement, are rooted in classical physics. Special relativity, dealing with high speeds, and general relativity, dealing with very large masses, are extensions of the principles established in classical physics.

Entanglement, a phenomenon once believed to be uniquely quantum, has also been shown to have classical origins by scholars. For example, it can be understood within the framework of general relativity, which implies that the intricacies of entanglement do not necessarily require a quantum explanation.

Conclusion

From the transparency of glass to the complex phenomena of quantum mechanics, the classical framework of physics reveals a unity and coherence that transcends the ostensibly disparate branches of science. As we delve deeper into the intricacies of the universe, we find that the laws of physics, whether classical or modern, are interconnected and beautifully self-consistent.

Your journey through the world of physics can be a journey of discovery, from the fundamentals of space and radiation to the vast landscapes of relativity and quantum mechanics. The key is to approach each topic with an open mind, rooted in the principles of classical physics, and to appreciate the elegance and simplicity that underlie even the most complex phenomena.