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Niels Bohr

theoretical physicist

Born: Died: Danish

Niels Henrik David Bohr was a Danish theoretical physicist who made foundational contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum theory, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1922. He was also a philosopher and a promoter of scientific research.

Bohr developed the Bohr model of the atom, in which he proposed that energy levels of electrons are discrete and that the electrons revolve in stable orbits around the atomic nucleus but can jump from one energy level (or orbit) to another. Although the Bohr model has been supplanted by other models, its underlying principles remain valid. He conceived the principle of complementarity: that items could be separately analysed in terms of contradictory properties, like behaving as a wave or a stream of particles. The notion of complementarity dominated Bohr's thinking in both science and philosophy.

Bohr founded the Institute of Theoretical Physics at the University of Copenhagen, now known as the Niels Bohr Institute, which opened in 1920. Bohr mentored and collaborated with physicists including Hans Kramers, Oskar Klein, George de Hevesy, and Werner Heisenberg.

Notable For

Danish theoretical physicist

Niels Bohr's Historical Timeline

  1. Niels Bohr is born

    Niels Bohr, Danish theoretical physicist, known for danish theoretical physicist, was born on 1885-10-07.

  2. Physicist Niels Bohr (26) weds Margrethe Norlund at a civil ceremony in Slagelse, Denmark

    Physicist Niels Bohr (26) weds Margrethe Norlund at a civil ceremony in Slagelse, Denmark

Associated Historical Events

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Niels Bohr born?
Niels Bohr was born on 1885-10-07 (Danish).
What is Niels Bohr known for?
Danish theoretical physicist
What historical events involved Niels Bohr?
Niels Bohr was involved in 2 recorded historical events, including Niels Bohr is born, Physicist Niels Bohr (26) weds Margrethe Norlund at a civil ceremony in Slagelse, Denmark.
When did Niels Bohr die?
Niels Bohr died on 1962-01-01.

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