James
Clerk Maxwell unifies the world of the electricity and magnetism on a
theoretical level and shows how the speed of light in a vacuum is a
function of two key constants that govern each of the electric and
magnetic fields. Maxwell’s work gives rise to the notion of
electromagnetic waves two types of which will be identified by Heinrich
Hertz (Radio Waves) and Wilhelm Roentgen (X Rays)
Max
Planck solves the Blackbody Radiation Problem by arguing that energy is
produced in discrete packets called quanta and that the Energy of each
quanta is directly proportional to the frequency of oscillation of the
quanta. Planck’s model answers the challenge of the UV catastrophe which
classical physics had failed to adequately address. I developing his
concept of the quanta Planck borrows heavily from the work of Ludwig
Boltzmann, the father of statistical mechanics.Planck, himself is regarded as
the Father of Quantum Mechanics (and indeed Modern Physics)
JJ
Thompson determines the ratio of the mass of the electron to its charge.
Robert Millikan will follow on later with a determination of the charge of
the electron (through his oil droplet experiment) allowing for the
eventual determination of the mass of the electron. Quantum nature of
charge will play an important role in future developments in Modern
Physics.
Henri
Becquerel documents the realities of radioactive decay. Work will continue
thanks to the research by Pierre and Marie Curie
Michelson and Morley Experiment shows that the Aether
wind (thought to be the background of space) does not exist.
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