Helge Kragh
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199654987
- eISBN:
- 9780191741692
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199654987.003.0002
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
Starting with Bohr’s education and early career in Copenhagen, where he focused on the electron theory of metals, the chapter follows the early development of his ideas of atomic structure. These ...
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Starting with Bohr’s education and early career in Copenhagen, where he focused on the electron theory of metals, the chapter follows the early development of his ideas of atomic structure. These ideas matured during his stay with Rutherford in Manchester and were published in three seminal papers in 1913. The main part of the chapter offers a description and analysis of the ‘trilogy’ of papers in which Bohr laid out the foundation of his atomic theory. It also covers the early and successful spectroscopic applications of the theory in the area of one-electron atomic systems, where Bohr defended his theory against objections from British physicists. Moreover, the chapter deals with Bohr’s promise of providing an atomic foundation of chemistry, including an explanation of molecules and the periodic system.Less
Starting with Bohr’s education and early career in Copenhagen, where he focused on the electron theory of metals, the chapter follows the early development of his ideas of atomic structure. These ideas matured during his stay with Rutherford in Manchester and were published in three seminal papers in 1913. The main part of the chapter offers a description and analysis of the ‘trilogy’ of papers in which Bohr laid out the foundation of his atomic theory. It also covers the early and successful spectroscopic applications of the theory in the area of one-electron atomic systems, where Bohr defended his theory against objections from British physicists. Moreover, the chapter deals with Bohr’s promise of providing an atomic foundation of chemistry, including an explanation of molecules and the periodic system.
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.003.0003
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
Again on the basis of Bohr’s previously unknown correspondence with Margrethe Nørlund and members of his own family, new light is shed both on his life and work in Cambridge (from September 1911 ...
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Again on the basis of Bohr’s previously unknown correspondence with Margrethe Nørlund and members of his own family, new light is shed both on his life and work in Cambridge (from September 1911 until March 1912) and his scientific disappointments there, notably Professor J. J. Thomson’s lack of interest in his work. The importance of the relationship with Margrethe Nørlund, including their shared literary, political, and philosophical interests, their shared love of nature, as well as the strong support of Niels Bohr’s closest family back in Denmark, are documented.Less
Again on the basis of Bohr’s previously unknown correspondence with Margrethe Nørlund and members of his own family, new light is shed both on his life and work in Cambridge (from September 1911 until March 1912) and his scientific disappointments there, notably Professor J. J. Thomson’s lack of interest in his work. The importance of the relationship with Margrethe Nørlund, including their shared literary, political, and philosophical interests, their shared love of nature, as well as the strong support of Niels Bohr’s closest family back in Denmark, are documented.
Daniel J. McKaughan
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226767826
- eISBN:
- 9780226762777
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226762777.003.0006
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
This chapter argues that the key to understanding the larger issues raised by the Three-Man Paper (3MP) and Max Delbrück's lifelong project is to situate his biological speculations with respect to ...
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This chapter argues that the key to understanding the larger issues raised by the Three-Man Paper (3MP) and Max Delbrück's lifelong project is to situate his biological speculations with respect to what the author refers to as the “teleomechanical” framework for relating physics and biology espoused by Niels Bohr, who, after all, had inspired Delbrück's transition from physics to biology. Contrary to the claim of some scholars that Delbrück was motivated by an in-principle reductionism, the author argues here that Bohr and Delbrück shared a core expectation that at least some aspects of life would turn out to be irreducible to physicochemical terms, but that there were also some important differences in the way they eventually came to think about biological complementarity.Less
This chapter argues that the key to understanding the larger issues raised by the Three-Man Paper (3MP) and Max Delbrück's lifelong project is to situate his biological speculations with respect to what the author refers to as the “teleomechanical” framework for relating physics and biology espoused by Niels Bohr, who, after all, had inspired Delbrück's transition from physics to biology. Contrary to the claim of some scholars that Delbrück was motivated by an in-principle reductionism, the author argues here that Bohr and Delbrück shared a core expectation that at least some aspects of life would turn out to be irreducible to physicochemical terms, but that there were also some important differences in the way they eventually came to think about biological complementarity.
Nils Roll-Hansen
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780226767826
- eISBN:
- 9780226762777
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226762777.003.0005
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
This chapter attempts to develop a more precise understanding of the relation between Niels Bohr's philosophy of science and Max Delbrück's biological research program. It is argued here that ...
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This chapter attempts to develop a more precise understanding of the relation between Niels Bohr's philosophy of science and Max Delbrück's biological research program. It is argued here that Delbrück's biological research program was reductionist in the sense that it pursued physical and chemical explanations for biological phenomena. Bohr's primary concern was with fundamental features of empirical natural science that implied a radical difference between physics and biology, however successful reductionism might be. He found that Delbrück's reductionist program did not contradict his own philosophical view, but he did not involve himself in empirical biological research. Daniel McKaughan has argued, in apparent contradiction to this claim, that “Bohr and Delbrück shared an antireductionist outlook” and that Delbrück hoped to demonstrate a legitimate role for “teleological concepts” in biological science.Less
This chapter attempts to develop a more precise understanding of the relation between Niels Bohr's philosophy of science and Max Delbrück's biological research program. It is argued here that Delbrück's biological research program was reductionist in the sense that it pursued physical and chemical explanations for biological phenomena. Bohr's primary concern was with fundamental features of empirical natural science that implied a radical difference between physics and biology, however successful reductionism might be. He found that Delbrück's reductionist program did not contradict his own philosophical view, but he did not involve himself in empirical biological research. Daniel McKaughan has argued, in apparent contradiction to this claim, that “Bohr and Delbrück shared an antireductionist outlook” and that Delbrück hoped to demonstrate a legitimate role for “teleological concepts” in biological science.
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
Niels Bohr ranks with Einstein among the physicists of the 20th century. He rose to this status through his invention of the quantum theory of the atom and his leadership in its defense and ...
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Niels Bohr ranks with Einstein among the physicists of the 20th century. He rose to this status through his invention of the quantum theory of the atom and his leadership in its defense and development. He also ranks with Einstein in his humanism and his sense of responsibility to his science and the society that enabled him to create it. The book presents previously unpublished excerpts from extensive correspondence between Bohr and his immediate family and uses it to describe and analyze the psychological and cultural background to his development of quantum theory. The book also contains a reprinting of the three papers of 1913 (the 'Trilogy') in which Bohr worked out the provisional basis of a quantum theory of the atom.Less
Niels Bohr ranks with Einstein among the physicists of the 20th century. He rose to this status through his invention of the quantum theory of the atom and his leadership in its defense and development. He also ranks with Einstein in his humanism and his sense of responsibility to his science and the society that enabled him to create it. The book presents previously unpublished excerpts from extensive correspondence between Bohr and his immediate family and uses it to describe and analyze the psychological and cultural background to his development of quantum theory. The book also contains a reprinting of the three papers of 1913 (the 'Trilogy') in which Bohr worked out the provisional basis of a quantum theory of the atom.
Charles P. Enz
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- January 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198564799
- eISBN:
- 9780191713835
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198564799.003.0004
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
This chapter begins with a discussion of Pauli’s stint as Max Born’s assistant in Göttingen. It then describes his friendship with Niels Bohr and his studies on the anomalous Zeeman effect.
This chapter begins with a discussion of Pauli’s stint as Max Born’s assistant in Göttingen. It then describes his friendship with Niels Bohr and his studies on the anomalous Zeeman effect.
Helge Kragh
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199654987
- eISBN:
- 9780191741692
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199654987.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
The theory of atomic structure proposed by the young Danish physicist Niels Bohr in 1913 marked the true beginning of modern atomic and quantum physics. This is the first book that focuses in detail ...
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The theory of atomic structure proposed by the young Danish physicist Niels Bohr in 1913 marked the true beginning of modern atomic and quantum physics. This is the first book that focuses in detail on the origin and development of this remarkable theory. It offers a comprehensive account of Bohr’s ideas and the way they were modified by other physicists. By following the development and applications of the theory, it brings new insight into Bohr’s peculiar way of thinking; what Einstein once called his ‘musicality’ and ‘unique instinct and tact’. Contrary to most other accounts of the Bohr atom, the book presents it in a broader perspective, which includes the reception among other scientists, popular expositions of the theory, and the objections raised against it by scientists of a more conservative inclination. Moreover, it discusses the theory as Bohr originally conceived it, namely, as an ambitious attempt to understand the structure of atoms as well as molecules: the chemical aspects of the theory are given much attention. The book covers the successes as well as the failures of Bohr’s theory, arguing that the latter were no less important in the process that led Bohr to abandon the original model and Heisenberg to propose a new ‘quantum mechanics’. By discussing the theory in its entirety—following it from its birth in 1913, through its adolescence round 1918, to its decline in 1924—it becomes possible to understand its development and use it as an example of the dynamics of scientific theories.Less
The theory of atomic structure proposed by the young Danish physicist Niels Bohr in 1913 marked the true beginning of modern atomic and quantum physics. This is the first book that focuses in detail on the origin and development of this remarkable theory. It offers a comprehensive account of Bohr’s ideas and the way they were modified by other physicists. By following the development and applications of the theory, it brings new insight into Bohr’s peculiar way of thinking; what Einstein once called his ‘musicality’ and ‘unique instinct and tact’. Contrary to most other accounts of the Bohr atom, the book presents it in a broader perspective, which includes the reception among other scientists, popular expositions of the theory, and the objections raised against it by scientists of a more conservative inclination. Moreover, it discusses the theory as Bohr originally conceived it, namely, as an ambitious attempt to understand the structure of atoms as well as molecules: the chemical aspects of the theory are given much attention. The book covers the successes as well as the failures of Bohr’s theory, arguing that the latter were no less important in the process that led Bohr to abandon the original model and Heisenberg to propose a new ‘quantum mechanics’. By discussing the theory in its entirety—following it from its birth in 1913, through its adolescence round 1918, to its decline in 1924—it becomes possible to understand its development and use it as an example of the dynamics of scientific theories.
Gerald Holton
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- July 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195172256
- eISBN:
- 9780199835546
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195172256.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
In the pursuit of research and in the reporting of their results, the individual scientist as well as the community of fellow professionals relies implicitly on the researcher embracing the habit of ...
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In the pursuit of research and in the reporting of their results, the individual scientist as well as the community of fellow professionals relies implicitly on the researcher embracing the habit of truthfulness, a main pillar of the ethos of science. Failure to adhere to the twin imperatives of candor and integrity will be adjudged intolerable and, by virtue of science’s self-policing mechanisms, rendered the exception to the rule. Yet both as philosophical concepts and in practice, candor and integrity are complex, difficult to define clearly, and difficult to convey easily to those entering scientific careers. Therefore, it is useful to present operational examples of two major scientists, P.W. Bridgman (known for operationalism) and Niels Bohr (noted for his principle of complementarity), who exemplified devotion to candor and integrity in scientific research.Less
In the pursuit of research and in the reporting of their results, the individual scientist as well as the community of fellow professionals relies implicitly on the researcher embracing the habit of truthfulness, a main pillar of the ethos of science. Failure to adhere to the twin imperatives of candor and integrity will be adjudged intolerable and, by virtue of science’s self-policing mechanisms, rendered the exception to the rule. Yet both as philosophical concepts and in practice, candor and integrity are complex, difficult to define clearly, and difficult to convey easily to those entering scientific careers. Therefore, it is useful to present operational examples of two major scientists, P.W. Bridgman (known for operationalism) and Niels Bohr (noted for his principle of complementarity), who exemplified devotion to candor and integrity in scientific research.
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.003.0004
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
On the basis of Bohr’s continued correspondence with Margrethe Nørlund and his family in Denmark, this chapter sheds further light on Bohr’s successful stay in Manchester with Ernest Rutherford (from ...
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On the basis of Bohr’s continued correspondence with Margrethe Nørlund and his family in Denmark, this chapter sheds further light on Bohr’s successful stay in Manchester with Ernest Rutherford (from March to July 1912) and his crucial change of interest there from electron theory to an understanding of the nuclear atom. It also documents his religious views, Niels Bohr’s father, Christian Bohr, as a role model, and preparations for his future career.Less
On the basis of Bohr’s continued correspondence with Margrethe Nørlund and his family in Denmark, this chapter sheds further light on Bohr’s successful stay in Manchester with Ernest Rutherford (from March to July 1912) and his crucial change of interest there from electron theory to an understanding of the nuclear atom. It also documents his religious views, Niels Bohr’s father, Christian Bohr, as a role model, and preparations for his future career.
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.003.0002
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
On the basis of Bohr’s family correspondence, this chapter describes the background for the relationship between Niels Bohr and Margrethe Nørlund and their engagement in 1910, pointing to the ...
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On the basis of Bohr’s family correspondence, this chapter describes the background for the relationship between Niels Bohr and Margrethe Nørlund and their engagement in 1910, pointing to the relationship’s importance for Bohr’s scientific development up to his doctoral dissertation at the University of Copenhagen and his departure to England for post-doctoral studies. The consequences of the engagement for Margrethe Nørlund’s career choice is also indicated.Less
On the basis of Bohr’s family correspondence, this chapter describes the background for the relationship between Niels Bohr and Margrethe Nørlund and their engagement in 1910, pointing to the relationship’s importance for Bohr’s scientific development up to his doctoral dissertation at the University of Copenhagen and his departure to England for post-doctoral studies. The consequences of the engagement for Margrethe Nørlund’s career choice is also indicated.
Helge Kragh
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199654987
- eISBN:
- 9780191741692
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199654987.003.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics, Atomic, Laser, and Optical Physics
The chapter outlines the history of the composite atom from about 1850 to the early 1910s, including some pre-electron models of which the vortex atom hypothesis was the most developed. However, it ...
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The chapter outlines the history of the composite atom from about 1850 to the early 1910s, including some pre-electron models of which the vortex atom hypothesis was the most developed. However, it focuses on the electron atoms suggested from about 1895. It pays particular attention to J. J. Thomson’s atomic model, which is described in detail, and also to the lesser known planetary models of John Nicholson and Hantaro Nagaoka. The nuclear atom proposed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911 served as the foundation for Bohr’s atomic model, but at the time it was not widely accepted. The chapter further discusses the new ideas of atomic number and isotopy which were introduced shortly before Bohr came up with his quantum model of the atom.Less
The chapter outlines the history of the composite atom from about 1850 to the early 1910s, including some pre-electron models of which the vortex atom hypothesis was the most developed. However, it focuses on the electron atoms suggested from about 1895. It pays particular attention to J. J. Thomson’s atomic model, which is described in detail, and also to the lesser known planetary models of John Nicholson and Hantaro Nagaoka. The nuclear atom proposed by Ernest Rutherford in 1911 served as the foundation for Bohr’s atomic model, but at the time it was not widely accepted. The chapter further discusses the new ideas of atomic number and isotopy which were introduced shortly before Bohr came up with his quantum model of the atom.
Mary Palevsky
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520220553
- eISBN:
- 9780520923652
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520220553.003.0005
- Subject:
- Anthropology, American and Canadian Cultural Anthropology
During the time of the interview, David Hawkins was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Colorado. This chapter presents how he came to know Robert Oppenheimer and ...
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During the time of the interview, David Hawkins was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Colorado. This chapter presents how he came to know Robert Oppenheimer and his mentor Niels Bohr; how he acted as a liaison between the Los Alamos lab's military and civilian populations; the success of the Manhattan Project due primarily to Oppenheimer's efforts; and Hawkins' technical, administrative, and policy-making history of the Los Alamos lab. It notes that a complex institutional structure was developed at the laboratory, with divisions dedicated to theory, chemistry and metallurgy, research, ordnance, explosives, and the Trinity test.Less
During the time of the interview, David Hawkins was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Philosophy at the University of Colorado. This chapter presents how he came to know Robert Oppenheimer and his mentor Niels Bohr; how he acted as a liaison between the Los Alamos lab's military and civilian populations; the success of the Manhattan Project due primarily to Oppenheimer's efforts; and Hawkins' technical, administrative, and policy-making history of the Los Alamos lab. It notes that a complex institutional structure was developed at the laboratory, with divisions dedicated to theory, chemistry and metallurgy, research, ordnance, explosives, and the Trinity test.
Mary Palevsky
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780520220553
- eISBN:
- 9780520923652
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- University of California Press
- DOI:
- 10.1525/california/9780520220553.003.0009
- Subject:
- Anthropology, American and Canadian Cultural Anthropology
The first section of this chapter aims to understand what happens to people with kind hearts and humanist feelings when they work on weapons of mass destruction, trying to examine the problem of ...
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The first section of this chapter aims to understand what happens to people with kind hearts and humanist feelings when they work on weapons of mass destruction, trying to examine the problem of power. The second section examines the Bohr phenomenon, and concepts of salvation and redemption attached to the atomic bomb. The third section looks at Robert Oppenheimer's belief in the transcendent meaning of science's creation. The fourth section discusses the “Atomic Scientist's Appeal,” released by the Federation of American Scientists in Hiroshima. The fifth section explores what science is and its larger meaning. The sixth section presents the author's reflections on the life of her parents, and on their teaching about the world of science that had nothing to do with the bomb. The last section closes with a few memories about her father.Less
The first section of this chapter aims to understand what happens to people with kind hearts and humanist feelings when they work on weapons of mass destruction, trying to examine the problem of power. The second section examines the Bohr phenomenon, and concepts of salvation and redemption attached to the atomic bomb. The third section looks at Robert Oppenheimer's belief in the transcendent meaning of science's creation. The fourth section discusses the “Atomic Scientist's Appeal,” released by the Federation of American Scientists in Hiroshima. The fifth section explores what science is and its larger meaning. The sixth section presents the author's reflections on the life of her parents, and on their teaching about the world of science that had nothing to do with the bomb. The last section closes with a few memories about her father.
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.003.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
Chapter 1 places Part 1 of the book in the context of the general importance of scientists’ relationship with their spouses.
Chapter 1 places Part 1 of the book in the context of the general importance of scientists’ relationship with their spouses.
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.003.0006
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
This short chapter discusses what lessons can be drawn from the previous chapters and calls for further study of the life and work of Bohr (and others) in the light of their 'private spheres.'
This short chapter discusses what lessons can be drawn from the previous chapters and calls for further study of the life and work of Bohr (and others) in the light of their 'private spheres.'
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.003.0005
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
This chapter documents the ways in which Margrethe Nørlund’s involvement in his scientific work was important to Bohr after they had married on 1 August 1912 and lived together in Copenhagen. This is ...
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This chapter documents the ways in which Margrethe Nørlund’s involvement in his scientific work was important to Bohr after they had married on 1 August 1912 and lived together in Copenhagen. This is an exceptionally crucial period in Bohr’s life, as it saw the creation and publication in 1913 of his atomic model, the scientific contribution for which he is most known. It furthermore documents the beginning of Bohr’s rise to world recognition as a scientist.Less
This chapter documents the ways in which Margrethe Nørlund’s involvement in his scientific work was important to Bohr after they had married on 1 August 1912 and lived together in Copenhagen. This is an exceptionally crucial period in Bohr’s life, as it saw the creation and publication in 1913 of his atomic model, the scientific contribution for which he is most known. It furthermore documents the beginning of Bohr’s rise to world recognition as a scientist.
Jim Baggott
- Published in print:
- 2020
- Published Online:
- January 2020
- ISBN:
- 9780198827856
- eISBN:
- 9780191866579
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198827856.003.0004
- Subject:
- Physics, Theoretical, Computational, and Statistical Physics
Atoms evolved from hypothetical entities into the objects of detailed laboratory study. The discovery of the negatively charged electron by Thomson in 1897 implied that atoms, indivisible for more ...
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Atoms evolved from hypothetical entities into the objects of detailed laboratory study. The discovery of the negatively charged electron by Thomson in 1897 implied that atoms, indivisible for more than 2000 years, now had to be recognized as having some kind of internal structure. In 1911 Rutherford interpreted the latest experimental results in terms of a ‘nuclear atom’, in which most of the atom’s mass is concentrated in a small central nucleus, surrounded by electrons which account for much of the volume. In 1913, Bohr presented a theory of atomic structure which combined a model of classical mechanical ‘orbits’ and transitions between these orbits governed by quantum rules. Although he made some unjustified (and incorrect) assuptions regarding the quantization of orbital angular momentum, he successfully predicted the Rydberg formula and showed that the Rydberg constant is a composite of fundamental physical constants.Less
Atoms evolved from hypothetical entities into the objects of detailed laboratory study. The discovery of the negatively charged electron by Thomson in 1897 implied that atoms, indivisible for more than 2000 years, now had to be recognized as having some kind of internal structure. In 1911 Rutherford interpreted the latest experimental results in terms of a ‘nuclear atom’, in which most of the atom’s mass is concentrated in a small central nucleus, surrounded by electrons which account for much of the volume. In 1913, Bohr presented a theory of atomic structure which combined a model of classical mechanical ‘orbits’ and transitions between these orbits governed by quantum rules. Although he made some unjustified (and incorrect) assuptions regarding the quantization of orbital angular momentum, he successfully predicted the Rydberg formula and showed that the Rydberg constant is a composite of fundamental physical constants.
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.003.0017
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
This chapter presents Part III of a paper by Niels Bohr on systems containing several nuclei. The paper is organized as follows. Section 2 deals with the configuration and stability of a system ...
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This chapter presents Part III of a paper by Niels Bohr on systems containing several nuclei. The paper is organized as follows. Section 2 deals with the configuration and stability of a system already formed. Section 3 discusses the configuration to be expected for a hydrogen molecule. Section 4 deals with the mode of formation of the systems. Section 5 contains a few indications of the configurations to be expected for systems containing a greater number of electrons.Less
This chapter presents Part III of a paper by Niels Bohr on systems containing several nuclei. The paper is organized as follows. Section 2 deals with the configuration and stability of a system already formed. Section 3 discusses the configuration to be expected for a hydrogen molecule. Section 4 deals with the mode of formation of the systems. Section 5 contains a few indications of the configurations to be expected for systems containing a greater number of electrons.
Finn Aaserud and John L. Heilbron
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- September 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199680283
- eISBN:
- 9780191760228
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199680283.003.0015
- Subject:
- Physics, History of Physics
This chapter presents Part I of a paper by Niels Bohr on the mechanism of the binding of electrons by a positive nucleus in relation to Planck's theory. The study shows that it is possible from the ...
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This chapter presents Part I of a paper by Niels Bohr on the mechanism of the binding of electrons by a positive nucleus in relation to Planck's theory. The study shows that it is possible from the point of view taken to account in a simple way for the law of the line spectrum of hydrogen.Less
This chapter presents Part I of a paper by Niels Bohr on the mechanism of the binding of electrons by a positive nucleus in relation to Planck's theory. The study shows that it is possible from the point of view taken to account in a simple way for the law of the line spectrum of hydrogen.
Henk W. de Regt
- Published in print:
- 2017
- Published Online:
- August 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780190652913
- eISBN:
- 9780190652944
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780190652913.003.0007
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
This chapter investigates the relation between visualizability and intelligibility, by means of an in-depth study of the transition from classical physics to quantum physics in the first decades of ...
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This chapter investigates the relation between visualizability and intelligibility, by means of an in-depth study of the transition from classical physics to quantum physics in the first decades of the twentieth century. In this development, the issue of visualizability played a central role. After a brief discussion of the visualizability of classical physics, it examines the gradual loss of visualizability in quantum theory, focusing on the work of quantum physicists Niels Bohr, Wolfgang Pauli, Werner Heisenberg, and Erwin Schrödinger. The chapter presents a detailed analysis of the role of visualizability (Anschaulichkeit) in the competition between Schrödinger’s wave mechanics and Heisenberg’s matrix mechanics, and in the discovery of electron spin. The contextual theory of understanding asserts that visualizability is one out of many possible tools for understanding, albeit one that has proved to be very effective in science. This conclusion is supported by an analysis of the role of visualization in postwar quantum physics, especially via Feynman diagrams.Less
This chapter investigates the relation between visualizability and intelligibility, by means of an in-depth study of the transition from classical physics to quantum physics in the first decades of the twentieth century. In this development, the issue of visualizability played a central role. After a brief discussion of the visualizability of classical physics, it examines the gradual loss of visualizability in quantum theory, focusing on the work of quantum physicists Niels Bohr, Wolfgang Pauli, Werner Heisenberg, and Erwin Schrödinger. The chapter presents a detailed analysis of the role of visualizability (Anschaulichkeit) in the competition between Schrödinger’s wave mechanics and Heisenberg’s matrix mechanics, and in the discovery of electron spin. The contextual theory of understanding asserts that visualizability is one out of many possible tools for understanding, albeit one that has proved to be very effective in science. This conclusion is supported by an analysis of the role of visualization in postwar quantum physics, especially via Feynman diagrams.
