PZ
Pieter Zeeman
17quotes
Pieter Zeeman
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Pieter Zeeman is commonly referred to as a Dutch physicist.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 25, 1865, in Zonnebeke, Flanders (now part of Belgium), Pieter Zeeman passed away on October 9, 1943, in Delft, Netherlands.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
Pieter Zeeman was a Dutch physicist known for his groundbreaking work in the field of physics.
#### Early Life and Background
Zeeman grew up in Zonnebeke, where he developed an interest in science at an early age. He attended the University of Groningen in 1885 to study mathematics and physics under the guidance of Hendrik Lorentz, a renowned physicist who would later become his mentor.
Major Accomplishments
One of Zeeman's most significant contributions to science was the discovery of the Zeeman effect in 1896. While working at the University of Amsterdam, he observed that when a beam of light passed through a magnetic field, it split into two or more components depending on the orientation of the field relative to the plane of polarization.
Notable Works or Actions
Zeeman's work was instrumental in furthering our understanding of the structure of atoms. His discovery led to a deeper comprehension of the principles governing atomic spectra and paved the way for subsequent research in quantum mechanics. Zeeman also made significant contributions to the development of spectroscopy, which has become an essential tool in various fields of science.
Impact and Legacy
Pieter Zeeman's pioneering work has left an enduring impact on physics. His discovery of the Zeeman effect not only expanded our knowledge of atomic structure but also had practical applications in fields such as materials science and chemistry. Today, his findings remain a fundamental aspect of quantum mechanics, continuing to inspire new research and innovation.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Zeeman is widely quoted for his groundbreaking work on the Zeeman effect, which has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of atomic structure. His discovery continues to influence contemporary physics, making him one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century.
Quotes by Pieter Zeeman
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It was natural that, soon after I had succeeded in splitting up lines, I should also study how the different lines behave in this respect.
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A beam of compound light is no longer reflected by the lined surface in the ordinary way; instead each special kind of light follows its own path.
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Of course the light source must be very restricted for the large number of beams corresponding to the various kinds of light to appear separately.
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On the basis of Lorentz's theory, if we limit ourselves to a single spectral line, it suffices to assume that each atom (or molecule) contains a single moving electron.
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It was not simply out of a spirit of contradiction that I exposed a light source to magnetic forces. The idea came to me during an investigation of the effect discovered by Kerr on light reflected by magnetic mirrors.
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I count myself fortunate to be able to contribute to this work; and the great interest which the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has shown in my work and the recognition that it has paid to my past successes, convince me that I am not on the wrong track.
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Had we really succeeded therefore in altering the period of vibration, which Maxwell, as I have just noted, held to be impossible? Or was there some disturbing circumstances from one or more factors which distorted the result?
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We studied the light source in the direction of the magnetic force, we perforated the poles of the magnet; but even in the direction of the magnetic lines of force we found that our result was confirmed.
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Now all oscillatory movements of such an electron can be conceived of as being split up into force, and two circular oscillations perpendicular to this direction rotating in opposite directions.
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In the absence of a magnetic field the period of all these oscillations is the same. But as soon as the electron is exposed to the effect of a magnetic field, its motion changes.
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