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Max Planck

1858–1947 · Theoretical physics, Quantum physics, Thermodynamics
German theoretical physicist, founder of quantum theory, which revolutionized physics in the early 20th century. He introduced the concept of the energy quantum, explaining the radiation spectrum of a black body. Planck's constant became one of the fundamental constants of nature. His work spurred the creation of quantum mechanics.

Biography

Born in Kiel. Studied at the Universities of Munich and Berlin, student of Helmholtz and Kirchhoff. Professor at the University of Berlin, president of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society (later renamed the Max Planck Society). Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918 for the discovery of energy quanta.

Key discoveries

💡 Planck was a brilliant pianist and even considered becoming a professional musician, but chose physics. His son Erwin was executed by the Nazis for participating in a plot against Hitler.
"He believed that a new truth prevails not because opponents are convinced, but because they eventually die out."
Concepts
entropyquantum measurementspectroscopy
Laws
Planck's lawPlanck–Einstein relationthird law of thermodynamicsFokker–Planck equation
Scientists
Robert HookeJacob BekensteinJohann Jakob BalmerJocelyn Bell BurnellArno PenziasCharles TownesJames Clerk MaxwellErwin Schrödinger

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