C.N. Yang dies at age 103

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Theoretical physicist C.N. Yang passed away at the age of 103 on October 18, 2025. He is renowned for the Yang-Mills theory, developed in 1953, which serves as a foundational quantum field theory for studying amplitudes in Standard Model processes and quantum gravity theories. Yang was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1957 for his groundbreaking work on CP violation, specifically P-violation, discovered in 1956. His contributions have significantly shaped modern theoretical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum field theory concepts
  • Familiarity with the Standard Model of particle physics
  • Knowledge of CP violation and its implications
  • Awareness of the historical context of 20th-century physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of Yang-Mills theory in modern physics
  • Study the details of CP violation and its role in particle physics
  • Explore the historical significance of the 1957 Nobel Prize in Physics
  • Investigate the contributions of other key figures in theoretical physics during the 20th century
USEFUL FOR

The discussion is beneficial for theoretical physicists, students of particle physics, historians of science, and anyone interested in the advancements in quantum field theory and its foundational principles.

ohwilleke
Gold Member
Messages
2,660
Reaction score
1,624
TL;DR
Eminent theoretical particle physicist C.N. Yang has died at age 103.
Theoretical physicist C.N. Yang died at the age of 103 years on October 18, 2025.

He is the Yang in Yang-Mills theory, which he and his collaborators devised in 1953, which is a generic quantum field theory that is used by scientists to study amplitudes (i.e. vector probabilities) that are foundational in all Standard Model processes and most quantum gravity theories.

He also won a Nobel prize in 1957 for his work on CP violation.

(I didn't see the post in General Discussions at PF on his death before making this post.)
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Care
  • Sad
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970, haushofer, Astronuc and 4 others
Physics news on Phys.org
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: pinball1970, atyy and ohwilleke

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
9K