Howtosignalprocessing
- Why quantum mechanics use complex numbers?
- Who invented complex numbers and why?
- How are imaginary numbers used in physics?
Why quantum mechanics use complex numbers?
It is particularly helpful to use complex numbers to model periodic phenomena, especially for operations with phase differences. Mathematically, one can treat a physical quantity as being complex, but ascribe physical meaning only to its real part.
Who invented complex numbers and why?
Complex numbers were introduced by the Italian famous gambler and mathematician Gerolamo Cardano (1501--1576) in 1545 while he found the explicit formula for all three roots of a cube equation. Many mathematicians contributed to the full development of complex numbers.
How are imaginary numbers used in physics?
Complex numbers (the sum of real and imaginary numbers) occur quite naturally in the study of quantum physics. They're useful for modelling periodic motions (such as water or light waves) as well as alternating currents.
