Feynman

Richard Phillips Feynman (May 11, 1918 – February 15, 1988) was an American theoretical physicist known for his work in the path integral formulation of quantum mechanics, the theory of quantum electrodynamics, and the physics of the superfluidity of supercooled liquid helium. He received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965 jointly with Julian Schwinger and Sin-Itiro Tomonaga.

Early Life and Education

Feynman was born in Queens, New York City, to Lucille and Melville Feynman. He showed a keen interest in science from a young age, particularly in engineering and mathematics. He attended Far Rockaway High School and later went on to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1939. He then completed his Ph.D. at Princeton University in 1942 under the supervision of John Archibald Wheeler.

Career and Contributions

Feynman made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics, particularly through his development of the path integral formulation and the Feynman diagrams, which provide a pictorial representation of the mathematical expressions governing the behavior of subatomic particles. His work in quantum electrodynamics (QED) earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1965. During World War II, Feynman worked on the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he played a crucial role in the development of the atomic bomb. After the war, he held a professorship at Cornell University and later at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), where he spent the remainder of his career.

Personal Life

Feynman was known for his eccentric personality and his passion for bongo drums, safecracking, and art. He was also a popularizer of physics through his books and lectures, including the famous "Feynman Lectures on Physics."

Legacy

Feynman's contributions to physics have had a lasting impact on the field. His work on QED and his development of Feynman diagrams have become fundamental tools in theoretical physics. He is also remembered for his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to the general public.

Related Pages

• Quantum mechanics
• Quantum electrodynamics
• Nobel Prize in Physics
• Manhattan Project
• California Institute of Technology
• Feynman diagrams

See Also

• Julian Schwinger
• Sin-Itiro Tomonaga
• John Archibald Wheeler
• Los Alamos National Laboratory