Otto Hahn
|
Otto Hahn | |
|
| |
| Born | 8 March 1879 |
| Died | 28 July 1968 |
| Nationality | German |
| Occupation | Chemist; physicist |
| Known for | Nuclear fission; radiochemistry; radioactive decay |
| Notable work | Experimental discovery of nuclear fission; work on radioactive elements |
Otto Hahn (8 March 1879 – 28 July 1968) was a chemist and physicist whose work addressed radioactivity, radiochemical methods, and nuclear transformations. He examined the chemical products of nuclear reactions and identified processes that altered elemental identity.
His work provided experimental foundations for nuclear fission.
Early life and education
Hahn was born in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He studied chemistry at the universities of Marburg and Munich and later pursued research in radiochemistry.
His early career included work in the United Kingdom and Canada on radioactive substances.
Radiochemistry
Hahn developed chemical techniques for isolating and identifying radioactive elements and decay products. His methods emphasized precise separation and measurement of radioactive substances.
These techniques became central to experimental nuclear research.
Work on radioactive decay
Hahn investigated decay series of heavy elements and identified new radioactive isotopes. He collaborated with physicists to correlate chemical behavior with nuclear processes.
His work clarified relationships between nuclear transformations and chemical properties.
Discovery of nuclear fission
Hahn conducted experiments bombarding uranium with neutrons and identified lighter elements among the reaction products. He concluded that the uranium nucleus had split into smaller nuclei.
The theoretical interpretation of these results was provided by Lise Meitner and Otto Frisch.
Relationship to collaborators
Hahn collaborated extensively with Lise Meitner over several decades, combining chemical analysis with physical interpretation. Political conditions during the 1930s ended this collaboration when Meitner was forced to leave Germany.
Hahn continued experimental work in Germany during this period.
Relationship to institutions
Hahn held positions at German research institutions, including the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Chemistry. He later served in administrative and scientific leadership roles in postwar Germany.
His career involved both laboratory research and institutional organization.
Limits and uncertainty
Early experimental results on fission lacked a complete theoretical framework. Subsequent research refined understanding of reaction mechanisms and neutron behavior.
Historical assessment of contributions and credit has been subject to debate.
Status
Otto Hahn is regarded as a central experimental figure in the discovery of nuclear fission. His work continues to be discussed in nuclear chemistry, physics, and the history of science.