J.J. Thomson, an English physicist and mathematician, was a child prodigy who became one of the most gifted scientists of his generation. As the Cavendish Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge, Thomson made his greatest achievement by proving the existence of the electron in atoms through his study of cathode rays. This groundbreaking discovery had far-reaching effects in the study of the natural sciences. Thomson’s reputation as a scientist of rare gift was further enhanced by his lectures at prestigious universities such as Princeton and Yale. Alongside the Nobel Prize in Physics, he received numerous other important medals throughout his career, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer whose scientific discoveries shaped research for years to come.
Quick Facts
- British Celebrities Born In December
- Also Known As: Sir Joseph John Thomson
- Died At Age: 83
- Family:
- Spouse/Ex-: Rose Elisabeth Paget
- Father: Joseph James Thomson
- Mother: Emma Swindells
- Siblings: Frederick Vernon Thomson
- Children: George Paget Thomson, Joan Paget Thomson
- Physicists
- British Men
- Died on: August 30, 1940
- Place of death: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
- Notable Alumni: Owens College
- Grouping of People: Nobel Laureates in Physics
- City: Lancashire, England
- Discoveries/Inventions: Electrons And Isotopes And Inventing The Mass Spectrometer
- More Facts
- Education: Trinity College, Cambridge, Owens College
- Awards: Smith’s Prize (1880), Royal Medal (1894), Hughes Medal (1902), Nobel Prize for Physics (1906), Elliott Cresson Medal (1910), Copley Medal (1914), Albert Medal (1915), Franklin Medal (1922), Faraday Medal (1925)
Childhood & Early Life
Joseph John Thomson was born on 18 December, 1856 in the Cheetham Hill area of Manchester, United Kingdom. His father owned a bookshop and he had one younger brother. Thomson showed a remarkable grasp of the sciences from an early age and was admitted to Owens College at the age of 14. In 1876, he won a place at Trinity College, University of Cambridge to study mathematics. He received his bachelor’s degree with first class honours and was awarded the Smith’s Prize for his research in mathematics and theoretical physics. In 1881, he became a Fellow of Trinity College and completed his MA from Cambridge University two years later. Thomson also received the prestigious Adams Prize for his outstanding research efforts.
Career
Thomson started his career at Trinity College, University of Cambridge and quickly gained a reputation as one of the most gifted mathematicians. In 1884, he was elected as a member of the Royal Society and appointed as the Cavendish Professor of Experimental Physics at the University of Cambridge. His early research focused on the structure of atoms and he published papers on the vortex theory and its relation to atomic structure. He also published books on the applications of dynamics to physics and chemistry. In 1896, he delivered lectures at Princeton University, which were later published as the book “Discharge of Electricity through Gases”. In 1897, he began his seminal research on cathode rays, which led to the discovery of the electron and revolutionized the field of natural sciences. He also conducted research on isotopes and made important discoveries such as the radioactivity of potassium.
Major Works
Thomson’s most important work was his research on cathode rays, which led to the discovery of the electron. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1906 for this groundbreaking discovery.
Awards & Achievements
Thomson received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. He won the Royal Medal in 1894, the Hughes Medal in 1902, and the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1906. He was also awarded the Elliott Cresson Medal and the Franklin Medal by the Franklin Institute. The Royal Society awarded him the Copley Medal in 1914 and the Royal School of Arts awarded him the Albert Medal in 1915.
Personal Life & Legacy
Thomson married Rose Elisabeth Paget in 1890 and they had two children. His son, George Paget Thomson, went on to become a Nobel Prize winning physicist. Thomson passed away at the age of 83 in 1940 and was buried at Westminster Abbey.