Walther Nernst: Pioneer of Physics and of ChemistryMore than 100 years ago, in 1905, Walther Nernst discovered the Third Law of Thermodynamics, thus completing this fundamental theory. In 1920 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The book describes the life of this pioneer of science, his major stations being Graz, then Göttingen, and finally Berlin. Also presented is a lively account of the development of low temperature physics by Nernst during the early days of quantum theory, when he was in Berlin, closely associated with Albert Einstein, Max Planck, and Max von Laue.The book outlines the specific advances achieved by Nernst in the thermodynamic concepts of theoretical chemistry. Written for a general readership, it can also serve as a supplement for courses in physics and chemistry. In addition to the role of science in the life of Nernst, the impact of the political turmoil in Germany before and after the advent of the 20th century is also told. |
Contents
Preface | 1 |
Youth and University Period 1864 1887 | 9 |
Habilitation in Leipzig 1887 1889 | 35 |
Copyright | |
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Academy activities addition already atoms AUGUST became BOLTZMANN calorimeter CARL chemical chemist connected constant corresponding developed Director Eggert EINSTEIN electric electrochemical electrochemistry electrode electrolytic EMIL FISCHER EMIL WARBURG energy equilibrium ETTINGSHAUSEN EUCKEN experimental fact field formulated FRIEDRICH FRITZ HABER gases German Göttingen Graz GUSTAV HABER HANS JAHN HEINRICH HEINRICH RUBENS hence HERMANN VON HELMHOLTZ hydrogen ideas important instruments ions JAHN Jezioro JOHANN KOHLRAUSCH laboratory later Law of Thermodynamics lecture Leipzig low temperatures mathematics MAX BODENSTEIN MAX PLANCK means measurements mentioned NERNST lamp Nobel Prize obtained paper PAUL GÜNTHER Physical Chemistry Physical Institute physicist position problem Professor Prussian quantum theory radiation reaction Rector regarding Reichsanstalt represents RIECKE RUDOLF scientific scientists Section solutions specific heat stars student studies SVANTE ARRHENIUS teacher textbook theoretical thermal theorem Third Law tion UAHUB University of Berlin University of Göttingen VAN'T HOFF WALTHER NERNST WILHELM OSTWALD Zeitschrift Zott