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Niels Bohr's Birthday
Niels Bohr was born on October 7 1885 in Copenhagen, Denmark. -
Bohr's Atomic Theory
In 1913, using Rutherford's discovery of the structure of the atomic Nucleus and conceptions from Planck's quantum theory, Bohr theorized that electrons orbit a nucleus. When electrons shift to lower energy orbits, the leftover energy is dispersed as radiation. We still use the model of atoms in today's science. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1LDJUu4nko -
Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen
Niels Bohr founded the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen. Now known as the Niels Bohr Institute, in his honor. -
Bohr Wins the Nobel Prize in Physics
Bohr wins the Nobel prize for his atomic model. "for his services in the investigation of the structure of atoms and of the radiation emanating from them." -
Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics
Bohr and his colleagues developed the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics, which is still used as a conceptual basis in current science. Bohr developed the idea of the complementarity principle, which played a central role in the Copenhagen interpretation. The complementarity principle claims that a physical phenomenon expresses itself differently at a quantum level depending on how it is measured. Light appears as a wave or a particle. -
Bohr Flees Nazi Prosecution
Bohr fled Europe and went to America to work on the Manhattan Project; while there he developed his liquid drop theory on nuclear fission. He insisted that his ideas be used for good rather than war. After the completion of the Manhattan Project, he warned the world of the power of nuclear fission. -
"Those who are not shocked when they first come across quantum theory cannot possibly have understood it." -Niel Bohr
This is one of my favorite quotes as it demonstrates how bizarre our reality truly is. -
Niels Bohr's Death
Niels Bohr died on November 18 1962. His contribution to the way we think about reality will always be remembered. -
Sources
“The Nobel Prize in Physics 1922.” NobelPrize.org, www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1922/bohr/biographical/. “Copenhagen Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/biography/Niels-Bohr/Copenhagen-interpretation-of-quantum-mechanics. “Niels Bohr.” Science, Civilization and Society, incois.gov.in/Tutor/science+society/lectures/illustrations/lecture28/bohr.html.
