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Birth and Childhood
Born 1885 Oct 7th in Copenhagen, Denmark. Niels was the son of Christian Bohr, a Professor of Physiology at Copenhagen University. Niels, with his younger brother Harald, grew up in an favorable atmosphere which aided his development. Niels father was an eminent physiologist and was largely responsible for awakening Niels interest in physics while still at school, his mother came from a family distinguished in the field of education as well.
“The Nobel Prize in Physics 1922.” NobelPrize.org -
University
In 1903 Niels entered the Copenhagen University under the guidance of Professor C. Christiansen, a highly endowed physicist. Eventually, the University announced a prize to be awarded for the solution of a scientific problem, this caused Niels to take up an experimental and theoretical investigation of the surface tension by means of oscillating fluid jets, which worked, earning him the gold medal.
“The Nobel Prize in Physics 1922.” NobelPrize.org -
Absorption of Alpha Rays
In 1912 Niels was at work in Professor Rutherford’s laboratory in Manchester, where years of intensive scientific activity emanated as a consequence of the fundamental findings into the radioactive phenomena. Niels carried out a theoretical experiment on the absorption of alpha rays which was published in the Philosophical Magazine, 1913, he passed on to a study of the structure of atoms, based on Rutherford’s discovery of the atomic nucleus.
“The Nobel Prize in Physics 1922.” NobelPrize.org -
On the Quantum Theory of Line Spectra
In 1918 Niels wrote the book called "On the Quantum Theory of Line Spectra" which contains three parts. The book comprises of Niels first impression's towards his key work on atomic structure, and was the basis of modern quantum theory. Niels also explains how the new quantum rules and Einstein's radiation theory permitted an important extension of the atomic theory.
Bohr, N. "ON THE QUANTUM THEORY OF LINE–SPECTRA." Ann. d. Phys 51 (1916): 1. -
Institute for Theoretical Physics
The Institute was founded in 1921, as the "Institute for Theoretical Physics" of the University of Copenhagen, by Niels Bohr, who had been on the staff of the University of Copenhagen since 1914, and who had been influencing for its creation since his appointment as professor in 1916. The Institute was the center of the developing disciplines of atomic physics and quantum physics.
“The Nobel Prize in Physics 1922.” NobelPrize.org,
www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1922/bohr/biographical/ -
Nobel Prize
In 1922 Niels Bohr was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his research and contributions on the structure of an atom. Niels had combined Rutherford's description of the nucleus and Planck's theory about quanta, Niels explained what happens inside an atom and developed a picture of atomic structure. This in turn is what complemented Niels Nobel Prize.
“Physics History Network.” Bohr, Niels, 1885-1962, history.aip.org/phn/11707002.html. -
Manhattan Project
From 1943 to 1945 Niels worked on the Manhattan Project. Niels began his work on the Manhattan Project after fleeing to Sweden from Denmark due to the Nazi Germany occupation in 1943. Originally he was brought to London, working with a British nuclear weapons development team. Niels was eventually brought to the United States, and worked at Los Alamos under the pseudonym Nicholas Baker, as a advisor.
“Niels Bohr.” Atomic Heritage Foundation, 7 Oct. 1885, www.atomicheritage.org -
European Organization for Nuclear Research
In 1954 Niels Bohr assisted and heavily influenced the establishment of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) also known as CERN, which was established in Geneva, Switzerland, there mission: to coordinate and perform research on fundamental particles.
Leggett, Bryce M. “Atoms for Peace Awards Records.” The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) Reports, 1952-1993., 1944, history.aip.org/ead/20090267.html -
Atoms for Peace Conference
In 1955 Niels organized and attended the "Atoms for Peace" Conference, Geneva, Switzerland. This meeting of Atoms for Peace Conference, saw at least 1,200 delegates from seventy-two countries who attended. Niels development of his atomic model had drastically changed the course of physics, although this was one of many major contributions.
Leggett, Bryce M. “Atoms for Peace Awards Records.” The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) Reports, 1952-1993., 1944 -
Atoms for Peace Award
Due to Niels Bohr major achievements and contributions, Niels was the first to ever receive the "Atoms for Peace Award", along with $75,000 that was awarded. This award is for the development or application of peaceful nuclear technology and research.
Leggett, Bryce M. “Atoms for Peace Awards Records.” The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) Reports, 1952-1993., 1944 -
Death and Legacy
On Nov 18th 1962 Niels Bohr took his last breath in his hometown of Copenhagen, Denmark. Niels left a legacy of unparalleled achievements, he was an advocate for peace among nations, expressing concern towards potential roles of atomic weapons. He helped establish, The European Organization for Nuclear Research, he was a member of various scientific societies, received honorary doctorates from more than 30 academic institutions, and has been praised throughout many institutions worldwide. -
Niels Bohr Short Video
Below is a four minute video summarizing Niels Bohr life and achievements with added content furthering the familiarity of each critical timestamp.
Giacchino, Michael, director. Niels Bohr Documentary Mobile. Youtube.com, 12 Dec. 2011, www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-8oMi06nEc.
