Scientist of the Month: Niels Bohr

October's Scientist of the Month is Niels Bohr, a Danish theoretical physicist who had a significant influence on quantum physics and science in general.

Born on October 7, 1885 in Copenhagen, Denmark, Bohr's first achievement was his famous atomic model. While studying at the University of Manchester, he established how electrons traveled around the nucleus of the atom, with electro-magnetic radiation occuring with the jumping of an electron to a lower-energy orbit. This might be familiar to some of you in AP Chemistry!

In 1917, Bohr established the Institute for Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen, which he had become a professor at only a year prior. He heavily emphasized the importance of the institute, explaining how experiments and new ideas were necessary for the next generation of physics.

Bohr later won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922 for the work he had accomplished in prior years. However, the work he achieved later on was arguably just as important, with it being significant for the future of quantum mechanics.

To begin with, he drew on the old quantum theory to develop new principles during 1926-1927, formulating what is known as the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. In addition, he essentially paved the way for nuclear physics, helping further understanding of nuclear fission in America and his atomic model being used as a foundation behind it. He also helped the Allied atomic bomb project during its creation, helping design and explain the science behind it.

Overall, Bohr was an especially significant contributor for the modern era of science, providing the foundations behind concepts like atoms, nuclear fission, and quantum mechanics.