The title “Father of Quantum Physics” is often attributed to Max Planck. Planck was a German physicist who is best known for his groundbreaking work on the theory of quantum mechanics, particularly his formulation of the quantum theory of radiation. In 1900, Planck introduced the concept of quantization to explain the behavior of electromagnetic radiation emitted by hot objects, such as the spectrum of blackbody radiation. He proposed that energy is emitted or absorbed in discrete units, which he called “quanta,” rather than in a continuous manner as classical physics suggested. This revolutionary idea laid the foundation for quantum theory and marked the beginning of modern physics.
Planck’s quantization hypothesis led to the development of quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic levels. His work paved the way for subsequent groundbreaking discoveries by other physicists, including Albert Einstein, Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg, and Erwin Schrödinger, among others, ultimately revolutionizing our understanding of the physical world.
While Planck is often referred to as the “Father of Quantum Physics” for his pioneering contributions to the field, it’s important to recognize that the development of quantum mechanics was a collaborative effort involving many physicists over several decades.