(September 29, 1901 – November 28, 1954)
Enrico Fermi seemed indecisive earlier in his career. He set out to study mathematics before changing to physics. Tutored by Luigi Puccianti, Max Born and Paul Ehrenfest, Fermi ranks amongst the most brilliant physicists of the 20th century. He excelled in both theories and practicals: cutting his teeth with researches in spectroscopy, electrodynamics and statistical mechanics. After Wolfgang Pauli suggested the existence of an electrically neutral subatomic particle with negligible mass, Fermi expanded the idea, termed the particle “neutrino” and theorized about it in what is known as Fermi’s Theory of Beta Decay. By furthering his experiments with atomic nuclei, he was able to prove that most elements undergo nuclear transformations when bombarded with neutrons. This resulted in the discovery of slow neutrons, which in turn, inspired Otto Hahn’s researches that culminated in the discovery of nuclear fission. It also helped chemists to accurately identify some of the then missing elements in the periodic table. These early successes ensured that he was later called upon to oversee a series of atomic researches codenamed the “Manhattan Project”. Enrico Fermi’s researches and discoveries saw him receiving numerous prizes and other accolades both in his lifetime and posthumously. Apart from Fermi’s Theory of Beta Decay, he is the eponym of: Fermions, Fermium, Fermi Paradox, Fermi-Dirac Statistics, and the Fermi Award (which is the USA Atomic Energy Commission’s highest honor). Among his notable students are these two Chinese physicists: Yang Chen-Ning and Tsung-Dao Lee, who won (and shared) the Nobel Prize in 1957.
My brother suggested I may like this blog. He was right. This made my day. Thank you!
The best thing about this website is that it is very interesting to read and very easy to understand.
This is the first time I visited your web page, and thus far, I am amazed by the analysis you made.
Normally I pay little attention to science blogs, but your knowledge and writing style amazed me. Thanks for the great articles.
I like reading all that is posted on your website. Keep the information coming. I enjoy them.
Really incredible how Fermi handle those atomic energy researches of Manhattan Project!
Hi to all, I’m a third time visitor and I guess everyone is getting more bang for their time.
Superb website! I am loving it!!
Keep working, remarkable job!
Wow! I’m speechless.
Good info about his professional life
Now, that’s what I’m talking about! Amazing in every respect!
All and all I would say that this is a wonderful website with so many awesome posts.
Fermi was great indeed.
I’m loving this site. Please, how do i subscribe?
What a scholar!