Short Summary
Lise Meitner was a pioneering physicist whose work in nuclear physics led to the discovery of nuclear fission. Born in Austria, she spent much of her career in Germany, where she collaborated with Otto Hahn. Despite being overlooked for the Nobel Prize, her contributions were crucial to the understanding of atomic science. Meitner is celebrated for her perseverance in a male-dominated field and for her role in the development of nuclear energy.
Early Life & Education
Lise Meitner was born on November 7, 1878, in Vienna, Austria, into a Jewish family that valued education. Her father was a lawyer, and her upbringing encouraged her academic pursuits. She showed an early aptitude for mathematics and science, and after completing her secondary education, she became one of the first women to attend the University of Vienna. There, she studied physics under the tutelage of Ludwig Boltzmann, a prominent physicist, who inspired her to pursue a career in scientific research. Her education laid the foundation for her future contributions to the field of nuclear physics.
Career Highlights
After earning her doctorate in 1905, Meitner moved to Berlin in 1907, where she began working with renowned chemist Otto Hahn. Together, they investigated radioactive substances, and their partnership lasted over three decades. In 1926, she became the first female physics professor in Germany at the University of Berlin. Her career was interrupted by political events when she fled Nazi Germany in 1938 due to her Jewish heritage. While in Sweden, she continued her research and collaborated with Hahn and Fritz Strassmann, culminating in the discovery of nuclear fission, a groundbreaking contribution to physics.
Major Achievements
- Co-discovered nuclear fission, revolutionizing the understanding of atomic energy.
- First woman to become a full professor of physics in Germany.
- Contributed to the theoretical explanation of nuclear processes.
- Received numerous awards, including the Max Planck Medal and the Enrico Fermi Award.
Famous Quotes
- "Science makes people reach selflessly for truth and objectivity; it teaches people to accept reality, with wonder and admiration, not to mention the deep awe and delight that the natural order of things brings to the true scientist."
- "You must not blame us scientists for the use which war technicians have put our discoveries."
Interesting Facts
- The element Meitnerium (Mt) is named in her honor.
- She was nominated for the Nobel Prize a total of 48 times but never won.
- Her escape from Nazi Germany was aided by fellow scientists and friends.
- Lise Meitner was one of the few women mentioned by Albert Einstein as "our Marie Curie."
Legacy / Influence
Lise Meitner's legacy endures in the field of nuclear physics, where her pioneering work on nuclear fission paved the way for both nuclear energy and atomic weaponry. Her scientific integrity and dedication to research continue to inspire generations of scientists, especially women, in fields traditionally dominated by men. The acknowledgment of her contributions has grown over time, as reflected by the honors bestowed upon her posthumously.
FAQ
Q: Why is Lise Meitner famous?
A: She is famous for her role in the discovery of nuclear fission, a significant breakthrough in nuclear physics.
Q: Did Lise Meitner win the Nobel Prize?
A: No, she was not awarded the Nobel Prize, although her collaborator Otto Hahn received it in 1944.
Q: What element is named after her?
A: The element Meitnerium (Mt) is named in her honor.
Q: How did Lise Meitner contribute to the war effort during World War II?
A: She refused to work on the development of nuclear weapons, maintaining her stance on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
