Gustav Robert Kirchhoff, a German physicist, made significant contributions to the fields of thermochemistry and electrochemistry. His groundbreaking findings in black-body radiation, electrical circuits, and spectroscopy revolutionized the understanding of these subjects. Kirchhoff’s laws of thermochemistry, circuit theory, and thermal emission are widely recognized and utilized by physicists today. Despite facing numerous challenges, including a disability, Kirchhoff persevered in his research and made remarkable discoveries. His work laid the foundation for using mathematics to comprehend the principles of physics, marking a crucial advancement in the scientific field. Kirchhoff’s life serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists, showcasing the power of intellect and dedication in achieving scientific excellence. His immense contributions have shaped modern theoretical physics, and without his remarkable work, the field may not have reached its current state.
Quick Facts
- German Celebrities Born In March
- Also Known As: Gustav Robert Kirchhoff
- Died At Age: 63
- Family: Spouse/Ex-: Clara Richelot, father: Friedrich Kirchhoff, mother: Johanna Henriette Wittke
- Physicists
- German Men
- Died on: October 17, 1887
- Place of death: Berlin, Kingdom of Prussia
- City: Königsberg, Germany
- Discoveries/inventions: Discovered Caesium And Rubidium
- More Facts
- Education: Kant Russian State University, University of Königsberg
- Awards: Janssen Medal (1887), Davy Medal (1877), Rumford medal (1862)
Childhood & Early Life
He was raised in Konigsberg as part of the intellectual community, where serving the state was seen as the only viable path. His parents expected him to become a professor and serve his state. He attended the Albertus University of Konigsberg and received his early education from notable figures such as Franz Neumann and Friedrich Richelot. During his time at the university, he made his first significant research contribution related to electrical currents, known as “Kirchhoff’s Law,” in 1845. He obtained his doctorate degree in 1847 and later moved to Berlin.
Career
In 1850, he became a professor of physics at the University of Breslau, where he formed a lifelong friendship with Robert Bunsen. After four years, he was offered a position as Professor of Physics at the University of Heidelberg. During his time at Heidelberg, he proposed “Kirchhoff’s law of thermochemistry” in 1858, which explained the variation of heat in a chemical reaction. In 1859, he proposed his law of thermal radiation, which he proved in 1861. He and Robert Bunsen also examined the spectrum of the sun in 1861, identifying the chemical elements in its atmosphere and discovering two new elements, caesium and rubidium.
In 1875, he was offered the first position dedicated to theoretical physics at the University of Berlin, where he remained until his death. During his time in Berlin, he published his most well-known treatise, “Vorlesungen über mathematische Physik.”
Major Works
His notable works include the introduction of Kirchhoff’s Circuit Laws in 1845, which allowed for the calculation of currents, voltages, and resistances in electrical circuits. He also contributed greatly to the field of spectroscopy, formalizing three laws that describe the spectral composition of light emitted by incandescent objects. He coined the term “black body radiation” and explained the dark lines in the sun’s spectrum.
Awards & Achievements
He was awarded the Rumford Medal in 1862 for his work on solar spectra. In 1877, he received the Davy Medal along with Robert Bunsen for their research and discoveries in spectrum analysis. In 1887, he posthumously became the first recipient of the Janssen Medal for his work in spectroscopy.
Personal Life & Legacy
After graduating in 1847, he married Clara Richelot, with whom he had two daughters and three sons. However, Clara passed away in 1869, leaving him to raise their children alone. He faced additional challenges as a single parent due to a disability that required him to use crutches or a wheelchair. In 1872, he married Luise Brömmel. He passed away on October 17, 1887, at the age of 63, during his professorship at Berlin. He was buried in the St. Matthäus Kirchhoff Cemetery in Schöneberg, Berlin.