John Enderby facts for kids

Sir John Edwin Enderby (16 January 1931 – 3 August 2021) was a famous British physicist. A physicist is a scientist who studies how the universe works, from tiny particles to giant galaxies. Sir John was a professor at the University of Bristol for many years.

He was known for finding new ways to use tiny particles called neutrons. He used them to study how matter is built at a very small level. His work helped us understand liquids made of different types of atoms. This includes common liquid metals and even glass.

Early Life and Education

John Enderby grew up in England. He went to Chester Grammar School. Later, he studied at the University of London. There, he earned his first degree and then a PhD. A PhD is a very high university degree, showing deep knowledge in a subject.

Career and Discoveries

Sir John Enderby developed special methods using neutrons. Neutrons are tiny parts of atoms. He used them like a special flashlight to "see" inside liquids. By looking at how neutrons bounced off atoms, he could figure out where different atoms were located.

His research helped us understand how atoms are arranged in liquids. He even made a surprising discovery about water-based solutions. These are liquids where things are dissolved in water. He found that they have a special, organized structure, almost like a pattern. This was important because these solutions are vital for life.

Besides his research, Sir John also held important leadership roles. He was the head of the Physics Department at the University of Bristol. He also worked as a Deputy Director at the Institut Laue–Langevin. This is a big science center in France.

Awards and Honours

Sir John Enderby received many important awards for his work. He was given the Guthrie Medal from the Institute of Physics. He later became the President of this institute.

In 1985, he was chosen as a Fellow of the Royal Society. This is a very high honor for scientists in the UK. He also served as a Vice-President of the Royal Society.

For his great contributions to science and technology, he received two more big honors. He was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1997. In 2004, he was given a Knighthood, which means he could use the title "Sir."

Later Life

Sir John Enderby passed away on 3 August 2021. He was 90 years old. His work continues to help scientists understand the world around us.