Heisenberg's Ph.D. Journey: Triumphs Amidst Adversity
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Chapter 1: The Academic Struggles of Werner Heisenberg
Werner Heisenberg stands as a pivotal figure in the realm of Quantum Mechanics, often celebrated for his groundbreaking contributions. However, his legacy isn't solely one of unmitigated success; Heisenberg's life is marked by complexity and ambiguity.
Heisenberg frequently attended classes at Munich, and in 1923, he returned to complete his final semester and focus on his doctoral thesis under the guidance of Arnold Sommerfeld. Aware of Heisenberg's unconventional problem-solving methods, Sommerfeld tasked him with writing his dissertation in a conventional format that included hydrodynamics.
To obtain his doctorate, Heisenberg was required to complete laboratory courses in experimental physics led by Prof. Willy Wien. Despite his strong interest in theoretical physics, Heisenberg faced considerable challenges in these practical courses. Although Prof. Wien was dissatisfied with Heisenberg’s performance, he managed to submit his dissertation to the Munich faculty on June 10, 1923.
The dissertation topic assigned by Sommerfeld was daunting: determining the precise transition from laminar flow to turbulent flow in a liquid. Sommerfeld himself remarked, “I would not have proposed a topic of this difficulty as a dissertation to any of my other pupils.” This complex task proved too much for Heisenberg, who could only provide a vague solution.
Surprisingly, the faculty accepted his dissertation, and Prof. Wien agreed to publish it in a physics journal. However, Heisenberg's true test was yet to come—the oral examination, which would significantly impact his academic future. The evaluation was based solely on the dissertation and the oral exams, with the committee comprising Sommerfeld, Wien, and representatives from Mathematics and Astronomy. The grading scale ranged from I to V, corresponding to the A to F grading system.
The oral examination with Sommerfeld went relatively well, given their shared interests. However, Heisenberg struggled significantly with questions related to experimental physics and astronomy, leading to a disastrous performance. When questioned about the workings of a standard storage battery, Heisenberg found himself at a loss for words, prompting Wien to advocate against awarding Heisenberg a doctoral degree despite his brilliance in theoretical physics.
Chapter 2: Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose
To Heisenberg's dismay, he received the lowest passing grade in physics, while Sommerfeld awarded him top marks in his area of expertise. This led to heated debates between Sommerfeld and Wien regarding the value of theoretical versus experimental physics, each defending their respective fields. Heisenberg, unaccustomed to being anything but the top student in theoretical physics, was initially at a loss for how to respond to his results. Ultimately, he barely secured his doctorate.
Despite the challenges, Heisenberg had already been appointed as a teaching assistant by Max Born. Unsure of himself due to his low grades, he approached Born with the question, “I wonder if you would still have me.”
Heisenberg’s experience serves as a testament to the idea that exceptional knowledge and passion for a field can outweigh mere academic grades. Although he faced setbacks, he emerged as a leading figure in Quantum Mechanics, proving that dedication to one's passion can lead to greatness regardless of circumstances.
In this video titled "Great Physicists: Werner Heisenberg," discover the complexities of Heisenberg's contributions to physics and the misconceptions surrounding his theories.
The video "Why Heisenberg Worked for Hitler" delves into the controversial aspects of Heisenberg's life during a tumultuous time in history.
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