Arthur Jeffrey Dempster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arthur Jeffrey Dempster
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born | August 14, 1886 |
| Died | March 11, 1950 (aged 63) Stuart, Florida, United States
|
| Nationality | Canadian-American |
| Alma mater | B.S. University of Toronto M.S. University of Toronto Ph.D. University of Chicago |
| Known for | Developed the first modern mass spectrometer, discovered 235U (used in atomic bombs) |
| Awards | Newcomb Cleveland Prize (1929) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Physics |
Arthur Jeffrey Dempster (born August 14, 1886 – died March 11, 1950) was a Canadian-American physicist. He is famous for inventing the first modern mass spectrometer. He also discovered a special type of uranium called uranium-235 (235U) in 1935. This discovery was very important for developing nuclear power and atomic bombs.
Early Life and Education
Arthur Jeffrey Dempster was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He studied at the University of Toronto, where he earned his first two university degrees in 1909 and 1910.
He then traveled to study in Germany. When World War I started, he moved to the United States. There, he earned his Ph.D. (a high-level university degree) in physics from the University of Chicago.
Career in Science
Dempster joined the physics department at the University of Chicago in 1916. He worked there for the rest of his life.
During World War II, he worked on a secret project called the Manhattan Project. This project aimed to create the world's first nuclear weapons. From 1943 to 1946, Dempster was the chief physicist at the University of Chicago's Metallurgical Laboratory. This lab was a key part of the Manhattan Project.
In 1946, he became a director at the Argonne National Laboratory. Arthur Dempster passed away on March 11, 1950, in Stuart, Florida, when he was 63 years old.
Important Discoveries
In 1918, Arthur Dempster created the first modern mass spectrometer. This amazing machine helps scientists figure out what elements are in a sample. It can also tell them about different types of the same element, called isotopes.
Dempster's mass spectrometer was much more accurate than older versions. Its basic design is still used today. His research mostly focused on improving this machine and finding new ways to use it.
In 1935, his work led to the discovery of the uranium isotope 235U. This specific type of uranium can cause a powerful nuclear chain reaction. This discovery was crucial for developing the atom bomb and for creating nuclear power. Dempster was also an expert on positive rays, which are streams of positively charged particles.
See also
In Spanish: Arthur Jeffrey Dempster para niños
