American University Professor Gerald Watkins Chadwick Made A Quantum Leap In Chemistry

American University Professor Gerald Watkins Chadwick Made A Quantum Leap In ChemistryIn Chemistry, American University professor Gerald Watkins Chadwick contributed to chemistry by defining the universal atom. Chadwick was a Cambridge University mathematician and philosopher. His contribution in science began in 1907, when he published his 'Elementary Principles of Chemistry'.Chadwick's achievement was similar to other scientists whose first contributions are not known. In other fields, such as in medicine, astronomy or law, some scientist who did something groundbreaking do not get their achievements recognised.The process that Chadwick used to define the atomic nucleus of a compound is the same method that astronomers use to describe the atomic structure of a planet or star. The atomic nuclei of atoms are classified in terms of their 'charge' or their 'mass'. This classification is very important for atomic theory because it tells scientists what the 'weight'thickness' of an atom is, where mass is measured in Joules.Before Chadwick's work, physicists could only measure mass. The method of weightless atoms had no place in their studies. It was, therefore, up to Chadwick to devise a way to see whether molecules were truly being weighed down by a mass or if they simply were being assessed by the properties of an observer. He used the microscope to enable him to check the results.The method that Chadwick used to describe 'natural' atoms is still used today. Chadwick worked on the idea that molecules can exist in three states - metallic, liquid and gas. They can also exist in different molecular masses.Chadwick's contributions to chemistry were considered revolutionary at the time. While they have since been adopted and refined, the key idea that Chadwick worked with has remained with us for hundreds of years. The atomic weights of atoms, combined with the fact that they are the closest thing to a precise measurement of the mass and density, means that there are many ways to derive specific values of mass and density for different atoms. Chadwick would never have imagined the possibility of a vacuum.Chadwick was instrumental in establishing the principles of modern physics as we know it today. His contributions are considered vital to the continued progress of physics and chemistry.