The field of
physics deals with the immutable laws that govern the entire universe. Some of
the greatest names in this discipline include Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein,
and Niels Bohr, just to name a few. Their contributions along with the
important discoveries of others have given us a better understanding of our
world. Here is a list that includes some of the most famous physicists
throughout history in order of the notoriety of their work.
Albert Einstein (1885-1962) Famous For:Advancing the Theory
of Relativity
At the age of seventeeen, Albert Einstein enrolled to complete and receive
his teaching diploma in the field of physics and mathematics at the Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Switzerland. He debated with Niels
Bohr, the other founder of quantum mechanics. In 1905, Einstein published On
the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies, this contained his theory on
relativity. In 1921, Albert Einstein was a recipient of the Nobel Prize in
the field of Physics.
Niels Bohr (1885-1962) Famous For:Contributions to
quantum theory, nuclear reactions and nuclear fission
Niels Henrik David Bohr, a native of Copenhagen, Denmark and his contribution
to the world of physics rests on his study and explanation of the atomic
structure. In addition, he helped in the understanding of quantum mechanics
and in so doing founded the Institute of Theoretical Physics located at the
University of Copenhagen, the institute has been renamed to the Niels Bohr
Institute.
Stephen Hawking (1942) Famous For:Explaining Black
holes and Advances on the General Theory of Relativity and Quantum mechanics
He is known for his scientific works with Roger Penrose, for which they
provided a theory for the basis of general relativity, this is known as the
gravitational singularities theorem. In 1978, Hawking received the Albert
Einstein Award, given to those who excelled in natural sciences, more
specifically, theoretical physics.
Isaac Newton (1642-1727) Famous For:Explaining the
theories of gravity and mechanics
Isaac Newton is known for his contribution to world of science. It was Newton
who identified the concept of gravity and the theory of mechanics. He
excelled in the fields of alchemy, astronomy, Christian theology, economics,
mathematics, and of course, physics.
Nikola Tesla (1856-1943) Famous For:Created the first
Alternating Current system
Nikola Tesla is known for his contribution in the development and use of
alternating current (AC) system. He worked briefly with Thomas Edison and
George Westinghouse. His experiments on high voltage electricity gained him
further notoriety.
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) Famous For:Providing a
mathematical analysis of the relationship between astronomy and physics
Galileo is known for his experiments and theories in the field of bodies in
motion. His work in astronomy, mathematics and physics and the combination of
these sciences became instrumental in the study and understanding of the
universe beyond us.
Marie Curie (1867-1934) Famous For:Discovered
radioactivity nature of thorium and the discovery of polonium and radium
She is known for introducing techniques in the field of radioactivity for
isolating isotopes. Marie was instrumental in the discovery of the elements
known as polonium and radium.
(Lord) Kelvin (1824-1907) Famous For:Advancement of the
1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics. Developed absolute thermometric scale
He is known for formulating the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics. The
measure of absolute temperatures has been named after him. It was he who
coined the term “kinetic energy”.
Robert Hooke (1635-1703) Famous For:Explaining Hooke’s
Law of Elasticity
Robert Hooke is known for the physics principle that is the law of
elasticity, which is better known as Hooke’s Law. He constructed one of the
earliest reflecting telescopes.
Richard Feynman (1918-1988) Famous For:Work on Path
integral formulation on quantum mechanics, particle physics, theory of
quantum electrodynamics and, superfluidity
Richard Feynman is known for his efforts in the integral formulation’s path
in quantum mechanics along with advancing the theory of quantum
electrodynamics and superfluidity. He is also remembered for his involvement
with the Manhattan project.
Michael Faraday (1791-1867) Famous For:Discovery of
electromagnetic induction and came up with the idea for first electrical
transformer
Michael Faraday is known for his work on chemistry and physics, specifically
In physics, he worked heavily in the field of magnetism and electricity. Many
scientific concepts have been named after him; Faraday’s law of induction, Faraday’s
law of electrolysis, and so on. He was successful in converting gases into
liquid form.
Ernest Rutherford (1871-1937) Famous For:Supporting the
Theory on the existence of an atomic nucleus
Ernest Rutherford is known for his work in the field of nuclear physics. He
worked with J.J. Thomson that led to the eventual discovery of the electron.
He also explained the nature of radioactivity, in which he discovered two
types of x-rays, alpha and beta rays.
Marconi (1874-1937) Famous For:His work on the
Wireless Telegraphy
Italian inventor Guglielmo Marconi is known for his pioneering work on the
radio telegraph system, which eventually led to him being recognized as the
inventor of the radio. He received the Nobel Prize in 1909 along with Karl
Braun for their contribution to the world of wireless innovations.
Max Planck (1858-1947) Famous For:The formulation of
the quantum theory
German national Max Planck is known for bringing to the world the concept or
theory of quantum physics. His work in the field of physics expanded the
understanding of time and space.
Alessandro Volta (1745-1827) Famous For:Inventing the first
electric battery
Alessandro Volta is known for and credited for the discovery of methane and
making the earliest known form of the battery in the 18th century. The
“battery” was made of copper and zinc, with sulfuric acid used to complete
the circuit.
J.J. Thomson (1856-1940) Famous For:Showing the
existence of the electron
Joseph John (J.J.) Thomson is known for the identification of the electron
and isotopes. During one of his experiments, Thomson was able to identify a
negative charged particle which became known as the electron.
Erwin Schrodinger (1887-1961) Famous For:Extensive
Advancements on Quantum mechanics and the Schrodinger equation.
Erwin Schrodinger is known for his contribution to the world of physics in
which he explains what is known as wave mechanics, it became known as the
Schrodinger equation. He also provided answers for the diatomic molecule, the
quantum harmonic oscillator, and the rigid rotor.
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) Famous For:Work on the Theory
of Electromagnetism and the Kinetic theory of gases
James Clerk Maxwell is known for his Theory of Electromagnetism which was
published in a paper he wrote, A Dynamical Theory of the Electromagnetic
Field in 1865. He demonstrated that the electromagnetic field is occurs
in electricity, light, and magnetism. In collaboration with another scientist
Ludwig Boltzmann, Maxwell explained the theory of kinetic gases, also known
as the “Maxwell distribution”.
Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976) Famous For:Work on Quantum
Mechanics and the Uncertainty Principle
Werner Karl Heisenberg is known for the matrix formulation applied in quantum
mechanics. The Heisenberg principle, or the “uncertainty principle” in
quantum mechanics, became important to the field of physics in explaining
inequalities of results from physical properties.
James Chadwick (1891-1974) Famous For:Discovery of the
neutron
Sir James Chadwick is known for the discovery and identification of the
neutron. Working with Hans Geiger, Chadwick studied beta radiation in which
he was able to demonstrate the presence of a continuous electromagnetic
spectrum. He was a participant on the now famous Manhattan project.