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Birthdate
Niels Henrick David Bohr was born on October 7, 1885 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was the second eldest son of Christian Bohr and Ellen Bohr. Christian Bohr was a professor at the University of Copenhagen and Ellen Bohr was from a wealthy banking family. -
Undergraduate Career
Bohr majored in Physics under professor, Christian Christiansen, the only physics professor at the time. Bohr also studied astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, and philosophy. -
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Continued Education
Bohr received his master's and doctorate degree in physics focused on electron theory of metals. His thesis was awarded in April 1911.His dissertation did not receive much attention as it was written in Danish as requirement from Copenhagen University. -
Legacy: The Bohr Model
Bohr contributed to Rutherford's atomic theory of 1912 that atoms contain protons and electrons. He took the theory a step further by creating a bohr model built on the hydrogen atom. His atomic theory stated that electrons leap through levels and have less energy the closer they are to the nucleus. This quantum theory helped explain why elements have different properties. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhAn8xZQ-d8 -
Nobel Prize Winner
Bohr was recognized for his contribution to understanding the atomic structure. He was awarded for his early 1913 trilogy essays on atomic theory. His theories set a great foundation in creating the periodic table since he emphasized on the importance of electrons on creating different properties. -
Death
Bohr died at 77 from a heart attack in his hometown on November 18, 1962. His ashes were buried in Assistens Cemetery along his parents and siblings. His wife's ashes were also buried there when she died. -
References
Aaserud, Finn. “Niels Bohr.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 14 Nov. 2019, www.britannica.com/biography/Niels-Bohr. Ford, Kenneth W. “Niels Bohr’s First 1913 Paper: Still Relevant, Still Exciting, Still Puzzling.” The Physics Teacher, vol. 56, no. 8, 2018, pp. 500–502., doi:10.1119/1.5064553. "Niels Bohr." Famous Scientists. famousscientists.org. 19 Dec. 2015. Web. 9/27/2020
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