Niels Bohr: the Father of the Theory of Atomic Structure

“Epistemology, or, “theory of knowledge”, is the branch of philosophy that studies the nature, methods, limitations and validity of knowledge and belief. (Wilkipedia Epistemology) According to Plato, and, represented by a figure of subsets, knowledge is the subset of what is both true and believed.

Epistemology was the basis for “debates” between Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr on quantum physics and many more topics. Actually close friends, Einstein and Bohr discussed not only quantum physics, but many more topics, taking the form of an Einstein challenge and a Bohr response; discussions rather than debates which yielded a lot of information. (Wilkipedia Bohr-Einstein debates)

Niels Henrik David Bohr, (October 7, 1885-November 18, 1962), “…a Danish physicist who made fundamental contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum physics…” (Wilkipedia Niels Bohr) Bohr basically was considered the father of atomic structure. (Hart Page 512) Bohr sharpened his thinking studying with J.J. Thompson who discovered the electron. Further He studied with Ernest Rutherford who discovered the atomic nucleus.

Bohr developed his own theory which was published in 1913 as an epoch-making work “On the Constitution of Atoms and Molecules”. (Hart page 512) Bohr described an atom as a miniature solar system with electrons revolving around the heavy nucleus. (Hart page 513)

Bohr’s work did a lot of explaining regarding the structure of the atom, including the explanation as to why it was limited in size; and, the fact that light did not include all colors. Additionally, Bohr predicted the existence of additional spectral lines and, ultimately won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922.

Later, Bohr’s work began to deteriorate as an explanation, because the makeup of all atoms was needed and Bohr’s theories came up short.

In 1925 Werner Heisenberg found the solution. (Hart Page 514) Bohr turned and helped add to this new-found information.

Bohr turned his attention to the structure of the atomic nucleus and identified the isotope of Uranium; U/235.

Bohr was from a Jewish family and living in Germany. Additionally he was against the Nazi Party so he was in danger and had to flee. Ultimately he came to the United States and worked on the Manhattan Project. His work on the structure of the atom helped produce the atomic bomb.

There is a lot more to Niels Bohr than his work as a physicist. He helped many Jews escape to freedom, thereby saving them from Hitler’s gas ovens. Also, He lobbied for international control of atomic energy.

It must be mentioned that Bohr was loved by everyone who knew him for his humanitarian attitude and true concern for people.

Niels Bohr was a highly intelligent man; a scientific genius, who didn’t allow his intellect to get in the way of his love for mankind; the love of other people for him proved that.

Reference:

• Wilkipedia Niels Bohr