Alexander Wood (physicist) facts for kids

Alexander Wood (born May 3, 1879 – died April 1, 1950) was a Scottish physicist. He was a researcher and university teacher who specialized in the study of acoustics (the science of sound) and experimental physics.

About Alexander Wood

Alexander Wood was born in Scotland. He was the son of Sir Alexander Wood of Partick. He studied at Glasgow University and earned his doctorate degree in 1907. In the same year, he joined Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he became a fellow and a tutor.

Wood was a well-known and active member of the Cavendish Laboratory, a famous physics lab. He gave lectures about the history and work of the lab. Other important scientists, like future Nobel Prize winner George Paget Thomson, were very impressed by his lectures. Alan Lindsay Mackay, who was Wood's student, remembered him as a great professor whose lessons were full of interesting demonstrations. Scientist Charles Alfred Coulson also said that Wood was one of his biggest influences. Even Lawrence Bragg, another famous scientist, asked Wood for help with his research.

Wood was a very religious person and a devoted Christian. He was a student of Lord Kelvin (William Thomson) at Glasgow University. From him, Wood learned habits like praying before his lectures. He was an active member of the Church of Scotland in Cambridge and regularly attended St Columba's Church. He also taught Bible lessons and spoke about how science and religion can connect.

During World War I, Wood was part of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. This was a group of religious people who believed in peace and did not want to fight in wars. Because of his beliefs, he was a conscientious objector, meaning he refused to join the military. He was also a leader in the Peace Pledge Union, serving as its Chair from 1940 to 1946. He was also active in the National Peace Council, which worked for peace. After he passed away, a book about his life called Alex Wood: the man and his message was written by theologian Charles E. Raven.

Alexander Wood was also involved in politics. He ran as a candidate for the Labour Party in elections for the Cambridge University and Cambridge areas. Today, the headquarters of the Labour Party in Cambridge are named after him. There is also a road called Alex Wood Road and a care home named Alex Wood Care Home in Cambridge.

What Alexander Wood Wrote

Alexander Wood wrote many books and papers about physics, especially sound. Here are some of his important works:

• The physical basis of music (1913) – This book explored the science behind music.
• Joule and the study of energy (1925) – About the scientist James Prescott Joule and energy.
• In pursuit of truth. A comparative study in science and religion (1927) – This book looked at how science and religion relate to each other.
• Sound waves and their uses (1930) – This book was also published as a series of lectures for young people in 1931.
• Planning for good acoustics (1931) – He wrote this with Hope Bagenal. It was about designing spaces to sound good.
• The Cavendish Laboratory (1931) – A book about the famous physics lab.
• Science Wisdom and War: Through the Ages Science Has Given Destructive Intentions to War (1934)
• Acoustics (1940) – Another book about the science of sound.
• The Physics of Music (1944)
• Atomic Energy: Notes on the Course of Negotiations for Its Control (1950)

After he died, another book was published:

• Thomas Young: Natural Philosopher 1773-1829 (1954; 2011)