Chien-Shiung Wu
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Chien-Shiung Wu | |
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| Born | 31 May 1912 |
| Died | 16 February 1997 |
| Nationality | Chinese-born; later American |
| Occupation | Physicist |
| Known for | Experimental nuclear physics; beta decay; parity violation |
| Notable work | Wu experiment; precision measurements of beta decay |
Chien-Shiung Wu (31 May 1912 – 16 February 1997) was a physicist whose work addressed nuclear beta decay, weak interactions, and the experimental foundations of particle physics. She examined how radioactive nuclei transform and how symmetry principles apply, or fail to apply, in fundamental interactions.
Her work provided decisive experimental evidence reshaping theoretical assumptions.
Early life and education
Wu was born in Liuhe, Jiangsu, China. She studied physics at National Central University in Nanjing before relocating to the United States for graduate study.
She completed doctoral work in physics at the University of California, Berkeley, specializing in experimental nuclear physics.
Experimental nuclear physics
Wu conducted precision experiments on beta decay, focusing on electron emission from radioactive nuclei. She examined angular distributions, polarization effects, and energy spectra.
Her work emphasized careful control of experimental conditions and systematic error.
Parity violation
Wu performed an experiment testing whether parity symmetry is conserved in weak nuclear interactions. By observing the directional emission of electrons from cobalt-60 nuclei at low temperatures, she demonstrated that parity is violated.
This result overturned a long-standing assumption about fundamental symmetries.
Weak interactions
Wu’s experimental work clarified properties of the weak force responsible for beta decay. She examined how nuclear spin and particle helicity influence decay processes.
These studies informed later developments in particle physics.
Relationship to institutions
Wu held academic positions in the United States, most notably at Columbia University. She combined research with teaching and mentorship, particularly in experimental physics.
Her institutional role emphasized laboratory-based investigation.
Limits and uncertainty
Early beta-decay experiments required extreme precision and were sensitive to experimental noise. Subsequent measurements refined numerical values but confirmed the core results.
Interpretation focused on experimental demonstration rather than theoretical formulation.
Status
Chien-Shiung Wu is regarded as a central figure in experimental nuclear and particle physics. Her work continues to be discussed in studies of weak interactions, symmetry principles, and the history of physics.