About

Planck made this groundbreaking discovery in 1900 while studying the radiation emitted by a black body, leading him to propose the existence of discrete units of energy, now known as quanta or photons. This work paved the way for Albert Einstein's theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. Born in 1858 in Kiel, Germany, Planck had a passion for physics from a young age. After completing his education, he obtained a position at the University of Berlin, where he carried out his seminal research. In addition to quantum theory, Planck made significant contributions to thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. During World War II, Planck became an outspoken critic of the Nazi regime, which led to the tragic death of his son Erwin, who was involved in a failed plot against Hitler. Despite this personal tragedy, Planck remained steadfast in his scientific pursuits, even continuing his work during the war. After the war, he played a key role in the re-establishment of scientific institutions in Germany. Planck's contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of physics, earning him numerous accolades, including the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918. He continued to actively contribute to scientific research and education until his death in 1947 at the age of 89. Today, Planck is remembered as one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century, with his discoveries shaping the course of modern physics.