Max Planck sounds more like a cartoon private-eye than a renowned physicist, yet that is who Max Planck was. The next time you turn on your lamp, you may want to forget about Thomas Edison, and, instead, let your mind focus on Max Planck.
Max Planck was born in Germany April 23, 1858 in the city of Kiel. In his early life he was quickly identified as highly gifted notably in the area of music.
Despite being counseled not to enter the field of physics since it was largely uncharted, and, even replying that being a researcher was not his desire, Planck entered the field of Physics.
After Planck had taken his doctorate from the University of Munich in October of 1978; defended his doctoral dissertation, “on the second fundamental theorem of the “mechanical theory of heat”, (see note 1), and, presented his “habilitation” thesis, (see note 2), on “Equilibrium states of isotropic bodies at different temperatures, then, as was the typical procedure, he “became an unpaid private lecturer in Munich awaiting until he was offered an academic position.” (Wilkopedia; Max Plank, 1.3)
Around 1880 Edison had created electric light. Also, Rontgen had discovered X-rays, and, Becquerel had discovered radioactivity in the 1890’s. It was an important time for the field of Physics.
In 1894 Planck was commissioned to try and find how to create the most light from light bulbs with the least amount of energy. This was obviously the needed research to build on Edison’s 1880 discovery for marketing and commercialization of the light bulb. To that end Planck began studying Black-body Radiation; not an easy concept to grasp. Basically a “black-body” is an electromagnetic magnet that captures all radiation; much as a “black hole”. Then, this “black-body” emits radiation. It was not consistant, and, in 1900 Max Planck astounded the world of Physics by announcing that radiation was not released on an even basis, rather, in “jumps” called “quanta” (or photons); Max Planck had become the father of Quantum Physics.
During the First World War Planck was pretty much a nationalist, although, he stopped short of being too visible. It was During World War Two he had a problem. Many of his Jewish friends were being treated poorly, and he was, essentially helpful to them. His actions finally attracted the attention of the leader of the leading German Physics group who had him investigated. However, ultimately, nothing came of it.
Of not, one of Planck’s sons, Erwin, was put to death for being a part of the plot to assassinate Hitler. This was the son Planck was probably closest to.
Planck received The Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.
He died October 4, 1947.
Max Planck was anything but flashy. He is one of those figures in history who quietly went through life being brilliant.
Notes
1. Heat and mechanical work are equivalent. (Wilkepedia, Max Planck, 1.2)
2. Habilitation is the level of “Second Doctorate” in academics in Europe. (Wilkepedia, max Planck, 1.2)
Additional Sources:
Hart, Michael H. The 100 A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History. 1989. Carol.
Wilkopedia. Max Planck
Reference:
- Wilkopedia. Max Planck
