Chapter 208 Bohr's study
On April 5, 1909, when the world of physics was turbulent and everyone was chasing after each other, a 24-year-old Danish youth embarked on the road to study.
Bohr, who just received his master's degree this year, is in high spirits. His master's thesis is about the electron theory of metals.
To put it simply, the physics community at this time speculated that electrons in metallic materials were filled in the gaps of metal atoms just like gases.
So based on this model, the properties of many metallic substances can be inferred and calculated.
Bohr's master's thesis gave an exquisite explanation of one of these details, which was well received by his supervisor.
Therefore, Bohr felt that he should be somewhat talented in physics.
After all, he is the one who dares to bet with Bruce, and everyone in the physics community knows it.
However, the world of physics is not just about fame. No matter how famous you are, it is useless without strength.
Unlike some fields, a layman can pretend to be an expert.
But in the field of natural sciences, especially physics, if you look at the truth at first glance, there is no possibility of disguise.
Li Qiwei's honor and reputation were all obtained by virtue of his own strength.
But Bohr's current strength is far from worthy of his fame.
Therefore, he needs to further his studies and prove it to the world.
After Bohr graduated with a master's degree, there were three paths in front of him.
First, further your studies at a Danish university, such as continuing to complete your PhD at the University of Copenhagen.
Second, go to a German university for further study, which is also the choice of many Danes at this time.
Because of Germany’s influence in the field of natural sciences, it ranks first in the European continent and is also very close to Denmark.
Bohr's father, Christian, suggested that he go to the University of Leipzig in Germany, which is also one of the oldest universities in Europe and has a large number of talented people.
And as a professor at the University of Copenhagen, Christine had many friends at the University of Leipzig and could take care of Bohr.
After thinking for a night, Bohr rejected his father's suggestion and chose the third way.
In Bohr's mind, Cambridge University, where Newton and Maxwell were born, was the center of physics.
The Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge is the center of centers.
Three Nobel Prize winners, Bruce, Thomson, and Rutherford, appeared one after another, which is terrifying.
Although Bohr knew that Li Qiwei had returned at this time, he did not know that he had become a professor at King's College London.
So, he decided to go to the head of Cavendish, Professor Thomson.
Bohr is no longer the fool he once was. He is very aware of Thomson's status in the world of physics.
So, he was a little nervous when he thought about going to visit the other party.
The previous confidence no longer exists.
However, he had to bite the bullet.
On April 10, 1909, Bohr arrived in Cambridgeshire.
Walking on the way to Cambridge University, he held his master's thesis tightly in his hand.
The paper was a stepping stone. Bohr hoped that his metal electronics paper would impress Thomson and allow him to accept him as a doctoral student.
And in order to leave a good impression on Thomson, he also specially brought a collection of essays that Thomson had distributed.
In the Cavendish Laboratory, Bohr first met Wilson.
Wilson was greatly surprised by Bohr's arrival.
"Huh? Aren't you the kid who made a bet with Bruce?"
"Could it be that you have succeeded and are you here today to overturn his theory in person?"
"Wow, that's so exciting. Bruce is finally going to get frustrated."
"Oh, wait here, Bruce has now left Cavendish and started his own business outside."
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"I asked him to come back quickly. How could he not be here in this big show?"
With that said, he took Bohr and went to use the laboratory phone to send a message to Li Qiwei.
Now Cavendish is wealthy and has his own dedicated phone.
Bohr looked at Wilson in front of him in confusion, thinking that there might be something wrong with this man.
This series of words made him overwhelmed.
However, he suddenly thought about it, couldn't the other party be the hidden boss in the Cavendish Laboratory?
It is said that many big bosses behave strangely and talk irrationally. Is this the legendary boss in front of me?
For a while, Bohr did not dare to be presumptuous, and he quickly explained his purpose.
"Hello, Professor, I'm here today to find Professor Thomson. I want to be his doctoral student."
"My current strength is not enough to overthrow Bruce. Theory.”
Wilson stopped when he heard this and said disappointedly: "Oh, so that's it."
"However, now you can't just call Bruce, but Professor Bruce."
< br>"Bruce is now a professor of physics at King's College London and the head of the physics department there."
"My name is Wilson, and I am his good friend. You can come to me if you have any questions."< br>
Bohr was shocked. It turned out that the other party was really a great master. Who can be friends with Professor Bruce? How can I say that?
Fortunately, I didn't make any mistakes before, otherwise it would have left a bad impression.
“Thank you, Professor Wilson.”
“After I visit Professor Thomson, I will definitely go to London to visit Professor Bruce again.”
“Can I trouble you now? Will you take me to see Professor Thomson?"
Bohr is a professor, and Wilson is very useful.
He took Bohr to the door of Thomson's office and then left.
Bohr took a deep breath and knocked gently on the door.
"Please come in."
"Hello, Professor Thomson, I am Bohr who graduated with a master's degree from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark."
"I take the liberty to come here today. Because I think the Cavendish Laboratory is the center of physics in the world right now.”
"I love physics very much, so I want to study for a Ph.D. under you."
"This is my master's thesis, please read it."
After saying that, Bohr said respectfully He handed the paper to Thomson, and happened to reveal the title page of Thomson's collection of papers in his arms, which happened to be seen by Thomson.
After Thomson took Bohr's master's thesis, he did not open it immediately, but said: "I know you, Bohr, right."
"The one who once wanted to challenge Bruce "Why do you want to study for a PhD at Cavendish?"
Then Bohr praised the laboratory and Thomson.
From ideals to relativity, from PhD to Nobel.
His English was obviously very poor, but he was also impassioned, which made Thomson frown slightly, feeling that this guy was overstating his reputation.
Genius is nothing great.
Thomson has seen too many geniuses, and the only ones who have really grown up so far are Rutherford and Bruce.
So his first impression of the bombastic Bohr was not very good.
In real history, every time Bohr saw Einstein, he would pull him into the room without any explanation and give him a meal that lasted all night.
Made Einstein miserable.
It can be seen that Bohr's high energy may be related to his former football player.
At this time, Thomson changed the topic and asked: "I just looked at the thing in your arms, it seems to be my collection of papers?"
"Do you often read my papers?"
When it comes to the paper, Bohr is even more enthusiastic.
His previous nervousness was gone, and Thomson was no longer restrained.
“Yes, Professor Thomson.”
"From gas discharge to the discovery of electrons, I have studied every work of yours in depth."
Thomson smiled slightly, thinking that this kid is not bad, at least his attitude towards himself is nothing to say.
But not long after he was happy, Bohr changed the topic and continued:
"But, professor, in this paper on gas discharge, you wrote an equation wrong. . ”
“Look, it’s here.”
As he spoke, Bohr approached Thomson with the collection of papers and pointed it out to him.
"This equation does not take into account a special case."
"Blah blah blah."
Bohr spoke for ten minutes.
The smile on Thomson's face gradually disappeared and he watched Bohr's performance quietly.
This would make anyone feel uncomfortable.
Li Qiwei was so awesome that when he first met Thomson, he did not point out that the jujube cake model was wrong in front of him.
But neither humble nor arrogant.
Bohr was indeed a bit crazy. In fact, his intention was very simple, but his method was a bit inappropriate.
In addition, his English level is really not flattering.
The more Thomson listened, the more uncomfortable he became, but it was hard to show it.
He made a decision in his mind, and just out of politeness, he said: "Bohr, I will read your paper when I have time."
"Maybe we can find time to eat together Dinner."
Bohr was overjoyed and walked out of the office happily.
I thought to myself that Professor Thomson was really nice and kind. It seemed that I had to make up for my English for a while.
Next time I see the professor, I will definitely impress him.
Before leaving, Bohr specially thanked Wilson.
Wilson congratulated him: "Come on, Bohr, I think you also have the potential to win the Nobel Prize."
"No worse than Bruce."
"I'm waiting for you. Will bring honor to Cavendish in the future.”
Bohr modestly said: "I hope Professor Wilson will give you more advice."
Bohr left Cambridge University happily.
He spent the next few days wandering around Cambridgeshire admiring the beautiful scenery.
After all, I will study for a PhD here next.
However, a week passed, and Bohr finally discovered something was wrong.
Professor Thomson has not contacted him yet, which makes him feel a little anxious.
After another three days, Bohr finally recognized the reality. He was dejected in the hotel, with a face full of disappointment.
He summarized the reasons for his failure.
I think it was because my English was so poor that Thomson didn't believe him.
On the other hand, it is a bit abrupt to point out the other party's mistakes in person.
In fact, he clearly has a better way.
Bohr is also a strong person. Since Professor Thomson doesn't like him, he won't stalk him.
“Thirty years in Hedong, thirty years in Hexi, don’t deceive young people into poverty.”
“I will definitely be famous in the world of physics in the future!”
“Stuck Vendish, Professor Thomson, I will come back!”
After that, he got on the train without looking back, preparing to go to London to visit Ridgway.
In real history, Bohr went to Manchester to find one of his father's students after not getting a reply from Thomson.
The other party was already a professor of physiology at Manchester University of Technology. Under his introduction, Bohr met Rutherford.
With just one glance, Bohr was sure that the handsome and handsome man was his destined mentor.
Rutherford liked Bohr very much, and Bohr also found Rutherford approachable.
However, in this life, the gears of fate have begun to turn.
Before going to Manchester, Bohr took a detour to London.
Seven years ago, we met briefly in Denmark and I made a vow with you.
When we meet again in London seven years later, we are better than countless others in the world.
(End of this chapter)