Otto Hahn (1879-1968) was a German chemist who is best known for his pioneering work in the field of nuclear chemistry. He was born on March 8, 1879, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
One of Hahn's most significant contributions to science was the discovery of nuclear fission. In 1938, working with Fritz Strassmann, Hahn discovered that when uranium nuclei are bombarded with neutrons, they can split into smaller fragments, releasing a large amount of energy. This groundbreaking discovery laid the foundation for the development of nuclear power and atomic weapons.
Although Hahn made the discovery, it was his collaborator, Lise Meitner, who provided the theoretical explanation for nuclear fission. Despite this, Hahn was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1944 for the discovery of the fission of heavy atomic nuclei.
Otto Hahn's later years were marked by his opposition to the use of nuclear technology for military purposes, particularly after witnessing the devastating effects of atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. He became an advocate for peaceful applications of nuclear energy.
Otto Hahn's contributions to science and his ethical stance on the use of nuclear technology have left a lasting impact on the field of nuclear chemistry and the broader scientific community.
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