Niels Bohr Niels Henrik David

Niels Bohr

Niels Henrik David Bohr was a prominent 20th century physicist, known widely for the discovery of quantum theory and generally for the physics of the microcosm (Thomsen, 1986). Bohr was born in Copenhagen on October 7, 1885. His father was a professor of physiology at Copenhagen University and his mother was from a family that was prominent in the education field. This environment was conducive to the development of his knowledge and genius.

Bohr attended Gammelholm Grammar School in 1903, and later entered Copenhagen University. At this point his interest in physics was promoted and nurtured under the guidance of an original and highly regarded physicist known as Professor Christiansen. Bohr obtained his master's degree in physics in 1909 and completed doctorate studies in 1911.

His leap into the world of theoretical studies was instigated by the offer of a prize by the Academy of Sciences in Copenhagen to the individual that could solve a specific problem. Bohr began studying on experimental and theoretical levels the investigation of surface tension through the means of oscillating fuel jets. His studies after this point progressive evolved into works that were increasingly theoretical in nature. Bohr's doctoral dissertation was a purely theoretical project using electron theory to explain the properties of metals, and first came in contact with quantum theory, which influenced much of his subsequent work.

Bohr continued to pursue both experimental studies in laboratories under prominent physicists as well as his own theoretical work, including moving onto studying the structure of atoms using conceptions from quantum theory. Through this work, Bohr presented an illustration of atomic structure that underwent some improvements, but still provides an accurate conception of the chemical and physical properties of the elements.

Bohr held various lectureships in Denmark and England, and in 1916 he was appointed ass Professor of Theoretical Physics at Copenhagen University, and continued on as the head of the Institute for Theoretical Physics at that university until his death. Bohr's work on the structure of atoms was awarded in 1922 with the Nobel Prize. After 1930, the activities within his Institute were increasingly focused on the constitution, transmutations, and disintegrations of atomic nuclei, and further developed an understanding of nuclear fission permitted by the "liquid droplet theory." These activities formed the basis for important theoretical investigations of nuclear physics that followed.

Problems encountered with quantum physics were clarified through contributions to the field made by Bohr. In particular, Bohr developed the "concept of complimentarily," whereby he demonstrated how the scientific outlook of the general populace has been greatly affected by changes in the field of physics, and how the scope of atomic physics reaches throughout all facets of human knowledge.