Who were the British physicists in the race for absolute zero?

In summary, the conversation is about finding gentle bedtime reading material about notable physicists from the UK. Suggestions include biographies of Newton, Taylor, and the Maxwellians by Hunt, as well as Mendelssohn's book on the race to achieve absolute zero between James Dewar and Kammerlingh Onnes.
  • #1
ergospherical
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I need some gentle bedtime reading...
where can I find some stories about various notable physicists who grew up or were based in the uk?
 
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  • #2
There is that Newton fellow. James Gleick did a bio (not my favorite Gleick but I love most of his stuff).
 
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  • #5
Check out Mendelssohn, The Quest for Absolute Zero. It’s a well written recount of the race between James Dewar and Kammerlingh Onnes to get to the lowest temperatures. (One of them was British…)
 
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  • #6
marcusl said:
Check out Mendelssohn, The Quest for Absolute Zero. It’s a well written recount of the race between James Dewar and Kammerlingh Onnes to get to the lowest temperatures. (One of them was British…)
Great book.
 
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1. What are some key events in the history of British physics?

Some key events in the history of British physics include the discovery of the electron by J.J. Thomson in 1897, the development of quantum mechanics by British scientists such as Paul Dirac and Erwin Schrödinger in the early 20th century, and the discovery of the neutron by James Chadwick in 1932.

2. Who are some notable British physicists?

Some notable British physicists include Isaac Newton, who developed the laws of motion and gravity in the 17th century, Michael Faraday, who made significant contributions to electromagnetism in the 19th century, and Stephen Hawking, who made groundbreaking discoveries in theoretical physics in the 20th century.

3. How has British physics influenced the field globally?

British physics has had a significant impact on the field globally, with many groundbreaking discoveries and advancements made by British scientists. For example, the discovery of the neutron by James Chadwick and the development of quantum mechanics by British scientists have had a profound impact on modern physics.

4. What are some current areas of research in British physics?

Some current areas of research in British physics include quantum computing, renewable energy sources, and the search for dark matter and dark energy. British scientists are also heavily involved in research related to space exploration and the study of the universe.

5. How has the history of British physics shaped the current state of the field?

The history of British physics has played a significant role in shaping the current state of the field. Many key discoveries and advancements made by British physicists have paved the way for modern theories and technologies. Additionally, the strong tradition of scientific inquiry and collaboration in British universities has fostered a thriving community of physicists and continues to drive progress in the field.

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