It is possible for a physical theory to be considered "fundamentally wrong" in the sense that it may not provide a complete or accurate description of nature at a deeper level, while still being able to describe a particular scale or range of phenomena very accurately. This situation often arises in the context of scientific progress and the evolution of theories over time.
Physical theories are constructed based on a set of principles, assumptions, and mathematical formulations that aim to explain and predict the behavior of the natural world. However, our understanding of nature is constantly evolving, and new theories may be developed that provide a more comprehensive or accurate description of phenomena.
In some cases, a theory may be successful in explaining a particular set of observations or experimental data within a limited range of conditions or scales. This can be due to the theory's underlying assumptions or mathematical approximations, which may be valid within that specific context.
However, as our experimental techniques and observational capabilities improve, we may encounter phenomena or data that the current theory cannot adequately explain. This can indicate the need for a more comprehensive or refined theory that can account for these new observations and provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms.
A classic example is Newtonian mechanics, which accurately describes the motion of objects under normal conditions and at everyday speeds. However, at high speeds or in the presence of strong gravitational fields, such as near black holes, Newtonian mechanics fails to provide an accurate description, and the more comprehensive theory of general relativity is needed.
Similarly, quantum mechanics and classical mechanics are both successful theories in their respective domains. Quantum mechanics accurately describes the behavior of particles at the microscopic scale, while classical mechanics is a good approximation for macroscopic objects. However, these theories are fundamentally incompatible and do not provide a unified description of all physical phenomena.
In summary, a theory can be highly successful within a limited range of conditions or scales while still being incomplete or inaccurate when considering a broader scope. The development of new theories and frameworks is driven by the desire to provide a more comprehensive understanding of nature and to explain the phenomena that the existing theory cannot account for.