Give names of physicist and contribution any 10
Answers
Galileo Galilei (1564-1642)
Nationality: Italian
Known For: Mathematical analysis in astronomy and physics
Galileo was a math professor whose studies in nature and astronomy resulted in great advancements in the field of physics. His improvements in telescope technology and resulting observations worked to support Copernican theory. Robert Hooke (1635-1703)
Nationality: English
Known For: Hooke’s Law of Elasticity
This English physicist discovered the law of elasticity, which is now named after him. He also was one of the first advocates for evolution as well as one of the first to suggest that Jupiter rotated on its axis. Isaac Newton (1642-1727)
Nationality: English
Known For: Developed theories on mechanics and gravitation
Sir Isaac Newton is often thought of as a key figurehead in the scientific revolution. His book titled Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy explained laws of motion and universal gravitation; ideas which have commanded the attention of scientists for three centuries
Alessandro Volta (1745-1827)
Nationality: Italian
Known For: Invented first electric battery
Volta is famous for his works in physics and chemistry. His experimentation led him to discover that electrical potential and charge, for any given object, are proportional. Further studies and work led him to create the first battery made of zinc and copper. It is believed that his contributions are why the unit for electric potential is called the volt. Michael Faraday (1791-1867)
Nationality: English
Known For: Discovered electromagnetic induction and the idea for the first electrical transformer
English scieintist Michael Faraday made great contributions in the areas of electrochemistry and electromagnetism. His work in magnetic fields, conductors and direct currents led Faraday to lay the foundation for the idea of electromagnetic fields in physics. Additionally, he noticed that rays of light could be affected by magnetism. Lord Kelvin (1824-1907)
Nationality: Irish
Known For: Advanced the 1st and 2nd laws of thermodynamics and developed the absolute thermometric scale
Also known as William Thomson, Lord Kelvin is credited with creating the Kelvin scale. This is a temperature scale that was based on absolute zero. He also did a lot of work regarding mathematical analysis of electricity as well as working toward formulating the first and second laws of thermodynamics.
James-Clerk-Maxwell Nikola-Tesla J-J-Thomson
James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879)
Nationality: Scottish
Known For: Theory of Electromagnetism and Kinetic theory of gases
Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell came up with the concept of electromagnetic radiation. Interestingly, his work was the basis for Einstein’s special theory of relativity. Additionally, he thought of the kinetic theory of gases. His notions are the foundation for quantum mechanics and our understanding of the structure of atoms and molecules. Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)
Nationality: Serbian-American
Known For: Alternating current
Nikola Tesla created the alternating current electrical system which he patented and later sold to George Westinghouse. In 1891 he invented the “Tesla coil” which is used to this day in radio technology. J.J. Thomson (1856-1940)
Nationality: British
Known For: Showed existence of the electron
J.J. Thomson is recognized for proving the existence of electrons and isotopes as well as creating the mass spectrometer. Thomsons’s work in conducting electricity in gases and his discovery of the electron won him the 1906 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Max-Planck Marie-Curie Ernest-Rutherford
Max Planck (1858-1947)
Nationality: German
Known For: Formulated quantum theory
This German theoretical physicist is the man responsible for originating the quantum theory. His work resulted in him receiving the 1918 Nobel Prize in Physics. His theory completely changed and advanced human concepts of atomic and subatomic processes. Marie Curie (1867-1934)
Nationality: Polish
Known For: Discovered radioactivity of thorium and discovered polonium and radium
This two-time winner of the Nobel Prize is most famous for her findings on radioactivity. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, as well as the only woman to win this award in two different categories. Marie Curie is regarded as the most famous female scientist to date.