The Physics Of Prime Numbers - 1796 Words

Abstract The Physics of Prime Numbers [1] Yeow Liiyung University of Leeds Introduces the prime numbers and the Riemann Hypothesis as an im- portant unsolved problem in mathematics, and suggests that there may be a physical interpretation or embodiment of the problem. Although several physical interpretations are on offer, this paper focuses primarily on how the primes may be connected to quantum physics and classical chaos, and seeks to compile evidence hitherto that this might be true. We take a spec- ulative look into the currently unknown Hermitian Hˆ operator, and explore the attempts to identify it. Although the idea is rather complex, and most calculations and evidence reach a level of technicality far beyond undergrad- uate level, this paper tries to put the idea forward on a level suitable for second-year physics undergraduates’ understanding. 1. Prime Numbers Mathematics is intricately related to physics, and is often employed to aid calculations or derive furthe r understanding on physical concepts. One fundamental field of mathematics is number theory, specifically the area con- cerning prime numbers. Prime numbers are numbers that do not have factors other than itself and the number 1; they are not products of other numbers. In this sense, they are like the atoms of numbers and arithmetic, because it is possible to uniquely construct the rest of the numbers from products of prime numbers. While Christian Goldbach’s conjecture that every number is a sum of twoShow MoreRelatedA Brief Look at George Friedrich Bernhard Riemann720 Words   |  3 Pagesoperations. Riemann attended the University of Gottingen where he developed a strong foundation in theoretical physics from Johann Listing and other notable professors. 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