The statement that quantum theory was developed before Newtonian physics is not accurate. In fact, Newtonian physics predates quantum theory by several centuries.
Isaac Newton developed his laws of motion and universal gravitation in the late 17th century, which formed the foundation of classical mechanics. These laws provided a comprehensive framework for understanding the motion of objects on a macroscopic scale, such as planets, projectiles, and everyday objects.
On the other hand, quantum theory emerged in the early 20th century through the work of physicists like Max Planck, Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, Erwin Schrödinger, and others. Quantum theory revolutionized our understanding of the microscopic world, particularly the behavior of subatomic particles like electrons and photons.
The reason quantum theory came after Newtonian physics is primarily due to the differences in the phenomena they aimed to explain. Newtonian physics was formulated to describe the behavior of objects at ordinary scales, where classical mechanics provides an excellent approximation of reality. It is intuitive and relatively straightforward to understand because it aligns well with our everyday experiences.
On the other hand, quantum theory was developed to explain the behavior of particles at extremely small scales, where classical mechanics fails to account for observed phenomena. The quantum realm is characterized by fundamental uncertainties, wave-particle duality, and probabilistic behavior, which challenge our classical intuitions.
The development of quantum theory required a radical departure from classical concepts and the formulation of new mathematical frameworks, such as wave mechanics and matrix mechanics. It was a culmination of experimental observations, theoretical advancements, and deep philosophical debates over several decades.
So, while Newtonian physics may be more intuitive and easier to grasp conceptually, quantum theory was necessary to accurately describe and understand the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels.