Rudolf Mössbauer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rudolf Mössbauer
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R. L. Mössbauer, 1961
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| Born |
Rudolf Ludwig Mössbauer
31 January 1929 |
| Died | 14 September 2011 (aged 82) |
| Alma mater | Technical University of Munich |
| Known for | Mössbauer effect Mössbauer spectroscopy |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth Pritz
(m. 1957) |
| Awards | Nobel Prize in Physics (1961) Elliott Cresson Medal (1961) Lomonosov Gold Medal (1984) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Nuclear and atomic physics |
| Institutions | Technical University of Munich Caltech |
| Doctoral advisor | Heinz Maier-Leibnitz |
Rudolf Ludwig Mössbauer (born January 31, 1929 – died September 14, 2011) was a German physicist. He is famous for discovering the Mössbauer effect in 1957. This discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1961.
The Mössbauer effect is a special way that atomic nuclei can absorb and emit gamma rays without losing energy. This effect is very useful for a scientific method called Mössbauer spectroscopy.
Contents
Rudolf Mössbauer's Early Career
Rudolf Mössbauer was born in Munich, Germany. He studied physics at the Technical University of Munich. In 1955, he finished his main university studies.
He then worked at the Max Planck Institute for Medical Research in Heidelberg. In 1958, he earned his PhD from the Technical University of Munich. His advisor was Heinz Maier-Leibnitz.
The Mössbauer Effect Discovery
During his PhD work, Rudolf Mössbauer made his big discovery. He found that certain atomic nuclei could absorb and release gamma rays without moving. This is like a perfect catch and throw of a ball, where no energy is lost to recoil. This special event is now known as the Mössbauer effect.
In 1960, two scientists, Robert Pound and Glen Rebka, used the Mössbauer effect. They used it to show that gravity can change the color of light. This was an important test of Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity.
The Mössbauer effect is also very important for Mössbauer spectroscopy. This method helps scientists study materials in detail. Because of his amazing discovery, Rudolf Mössbauer shared the 1961 Nobel Prize in Physics. He shared it with Robert Hofstadter.
Working in the USA and Return to Germany
In 1960, Rudolf Mössbauer was invited to work at Caltech in the USA. This happened because Richard Feynman, another famous physicist, suggested it. Mössbauer quickly became a full professor of physics there in 1962.
In 1964, his old university, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), asked him to come back. He returned as a full professor. He stayed in this role until he retired in 1997.
When he returned, Mössbauer helped change how the physics department worked at TUM. He brought ideas from his time in America. This new system helped the university become a leader in physics in Germany.
Later Research and Teaching
In 1972, Rudolf Mössbauer became the director of the Institut Laue-Langevin in Grenoble. This institute had a new powerful research reactor. After five years, he returned to Munich.
Later in his career, his research focused on neutrino physics. Neutrinos are tiny particles that are very hard to detect.
Rudolf Mössbauer was also known as an excellent teacher. He taught many advanced courses. He always encouraged his students to explain things clearly. He famously told them: "Explain it! The most important thing is, that you are able to explain it!" He said they should practice by explaining to friends, or even to their mother or cat!
Personal Life
Rudolf Mössbauer married Elizabeth Pritz in 1957. They had three children: a son named Peter and two daughters named Regine and Susi. Later, his second wife was Christel Braun.
See also
In Spanish: Rudolf Ludwig Mößbauer para niños
