James Kay Graham Watson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Kay Graham Watson
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| Citizenship | Canadian |
| Alma mater | University of Glasgow |
| Known for | Molecular Hamiltonian |
| Spouse(s) | Carolyn Kerr |
| Awards | 1986 Earle K. Plyer Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy and Dynamics |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | theoretical chemistry molecular spectroscopy |
| Institutions | National Research Council of Canada |
Jim Watson (born 20 April 1936, died 18 December 2020) was a famous scientist. He was known for his work in molecular spectroscopy. This field studies how light interacts with tiny particles called molecules.
Jim Watson developed special mathematical tools called molecular Hamiltonians. These tools help scientists understand how molecules move and behave. People sometimes call these tools "Watsonians" or "Watson Hamiltonians" after him.
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Early Life and Education
Jim Watson earned his Ph.D. degree from the University of Glasgow in Scotland. After his studies, he worked as a researcher in the UK, the United States, and Canada.
Working at the National Research Council
From 1963 to 1965, he was a special researcher at the National Research Council of Canada. This was in Ottawa, Ontario. He worked with a group that studied molecular spectroscopy. Later, in 1982, he joined the staff there permanently. He continued his important research until he retired.
Understanding Molecular Movement
Jim Watson wrote many scientific papers. In these papers, he showed how to use his molecular Hamiltonians. These tools helped solve problems in spectroscopy.
In 1968, he published a very important paper. It was called Simplification of the molecular vibration-rotation Hamiltonian. In this paper, he gave scientists a clear way to describe how molecules vibrate and spin. This work helped others understand the tiny movements inside molecules.
Awards and Recognition
Jim Watson received many honors for his scientific work. He was a member of the Royal Society, the Royal Society of Canada, and the American Physical Society. Being a member of these groups is a big honor for scientists.
In 1986, he won the Earle K. Plyer Prize. This award is given for important work in molecular spectroscopy. He received it for his many contributions to understanding how molecules interact. His work on the "Watson Hamiltonian" was especially noted. This tool is now used by scientists all over the world.
Personal Details
Jim Watson was married to Carolyn Kerr. He passed away at his home in New Edinburgh on 17 December 2020. He was 84 years old.
