XAT 2015 — VARC Question 5
It is a curious historical fact that modern quantum mechanics began with two quite different mathematical formulations: the different equation of Schroedinger, and the matrix algebra of Heisenberg. The two, apparently dissimilar, approaches were proved to be mathematically equivalent.
Which of the following sentences would most meaningfully follow the above paragraph?
Answer & solution
- A
The two approaches did not start with the same mathematical formulations.
These two points of view were destined to complement one another and were ultimately synthesized in Dirac’s transformation theory.
- C
A third mathematical formulation given by Feynman combines the matrix algebra of Heisenberg and Integral calculus of Leibniz.
- D
Quantum mechanics evolved in the twentieth century and came very close to particle physics, especially after the CERN experiments in Switzerland.
- E
Earlier, the two formulations were mathematically similar.
The passage says that modern quantum mechanics began with two different mathematical formulations which initially seemed dissimilar but later on proved to be mathematically equivalent. This idea is precisely captured in option 2 which says that they were destined to complement one another and were later synthesized into a single theory.
Eliminate options 1, 3, 4 and 5.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2.