Lise Meitner
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Lise Meitner | |
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| Born | 7 November 1878 |
| Died | 27 October 1968 |
| Nationality | Austrian-born; later Swedish |
| Occupation | Physicist |
| Known for | Nuclear fission; nuclear physics; radioactivity |
| Notable work | Interpretation of nuclear fission; work on radioactive decay |
Lise Meitner (7 November 1878 – 27 October 1968) was a physicist whose work addressed radioactivity, nuclear processes, and the theoretical interpretation of nuclear reactions. She examined how atomic nuclei transform under particle bombardment and how energy is released in nuclear transformations.
Her work played a central role in the conceptual explanation of nuclear fission.
Early life and education
Meitner was born in Vienna, Austria-Hungary. She studied physics at the University of Vienna and later moved to Berlin, where she pursued research despite institutional barriers to women in science.
Her early work focused on radioactivity and experimental nuclear physics.
Work on radioactivity
Meitner conducted experimental studies of radioactive decay and nuclear emissions. She collaborated with chemists and physicists to analyze radioactive products and decay chains.
These studies contributed to early understanding of nuclear structure.
Nuclear fission
Meitner provided the theoretical interpretation of experiments showing that uranium nuclei split into lighter elements when bombarded with neutrons. She explained the process as nuclear fission and accounted for the large energy release using mass–energy equivalence.
This interpretation clarified results obtained in experimental work.
Collaboration and separation
Meitner collaborated for many years with Otto Hahn, combining physical interpretation with chemical analysis. Political conditions in Germany led to her forced departure due to her Jewish background.
She continued scientific work in exile.
Relationship to institutions
Meitner held research positions in Germany and later in Sweden. She worked largely without extensive institutional support during parts of her career.
Her contributions were made through collaboration, correspondence, and theoretical analysis.
Limits and uncertainty
Early interpretations of nuclear fission relied on limited experimental data. Subsequent research refined understanding of reaction mechanisms and energy distributions.
Historical assessment of credit and recognition remains debated.
Status
Lise Meitner is regarded as a central figure in the development of nuclear physics. Her work continues to be discussed in the history of science and nuclear theory.