Arthur Holly Compton Quotes

A collection of quotes by Arthur Holly Compton.

Arthur Holly Compton was an American physicist who made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. He was born on September 10, 1892, in Wooster, Ohio. Compton grew up in a family of accomplished academics and scientists, which greatly influenced his intellectual curiosity.

He obtained his bachelor's degree from Wooster College in 1913 and went on to study at Princeton University, where he obtained his Ph.D. in physics in 1916. Throughout his career, Compton taught at several prestigious universities, including the University of Minnesota, Washington University in St. Louis, and the University of Chicago.

Compton's most notable achievements came with his research on X-ray scattering and the phenomenon now known as the "Compton Effect." Through experiments involving X-ray interactions with electrons, he successfully demonstrated the particle-like behavior of photons, providing strong evidence for the wave-particle duality of light.

For his discoveries, Compton was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1927. His work had profound implications for the development of the quantum theory of radiation and laid the foundation for further experiments in the field of nuclear physics.

Aside from his scientific pursuits, Compton also played a crucial role in government science policy during World War II, where he contributed to the development of atomic weapons. He later became Chancellor of Washington University in St. Louis and continued to advocate for the peaceful use of atomic energy.

Arthur Holly Compton passed away on March 15, 1962, leaving behind a significant legacy in the world of physics and scientific research.