Richard Phillips Feynman was born on 11 May 1918. He was an American theoretical physicist known for his work in quantum mechanics, quantum electrodynamics, and particle physics. Feynman made significant contributions to the development of quantum field theory, particularly through his formulation of the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics.
Feynman also played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. After the war, he worked at Cornell University and later at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he made groundbreaking contributions to theoretical physics.
Feynman was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965, along with Julian Schwinger and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga, for their fundamental work in quantum electrodynamics. He was also known for his ability to explain complex scientific concepts in simple and accessible terms, leading to his popularization as a science communicator.
Feynman's lectures and books, including the famous "Feynman Lectures on Physics," have inspired generations of physicists and science enthusiasts around the world. He passed away on February 15, 1988, leaving behind a legacy of scientific brilliance and curiosity.