Answer to Question #198459 in Quantum Mechanics for Marisa

Question

Bohr's theory of quantum mechanics created conflict with what famous scientist?

Answer 1

Bohr's theory of quantum mechanics created conflict between Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr.

Einstein saw Quantum Theory as a means to describe Nature on an atomic level, but he doubted that it upheld "a useful basis for the whole of physics." He thought that describing reality required firm predictions followed by direct observations. But individual quantum interactions cannot be observed directly, leaving quantum physicists no choice but to predict the probability that events will occur. Challenging Einstein, physicist Niels Bohr championed Quantum Theory. He argued that the mere act of indirectly observing the atomic realm changes the outcome of quantum interactions. According to Bohr, quantum predictions based on probability accurately describe reality.