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Last update: September 30, 2025

Max Planck: The Father of Quantum Theory

Max Planck (1858-1947)

Childhood in an Intellectual Family

Born on April 23, 1858 in Kiel, in the Duchy of Holstein (then under Danish rule), Max Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck (1858-1947) grew up in a family of intellectuals and jurists. His father, Julius Wilhelm Planck, was a professor of constitutional law, and his grandfather, Gottlieb Jakob Planck, was a theologian.

Educational journey:

The Quantum Revolution (1900)

In December 1900, Planck presented his revolutionary theory of the quantum of action to the German Physical Society:

This discovery marks the birth of quantum physics and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.

Major Contributions to Physics

1. Thermodynamics

Before his work on quanta, Planck made fundamental contributions to thermodynamics:

2. Quantum Theory

After his 1900 discovery, Planck further developed quantum theory:

3. Philosophy of Science

Planck was also interested in the philosophy of science:

Academic Career and Engagements

Professional journey:

Scientific and social engagements:

Personal Life and Trials

Planck's life was marked by personal trials:

Despite these tragedies, Planck remained scientifically active until his death on October 4, 1947 in Göttingen.

Scientific Legacy

Planck's legacy is immense:

Einstein said about Planck: "He was a man to whom scientific truth was more precious than anything else, and whose personality could not be shaken by external difficulties."

Max Planck's Major Contributions
FieldYearContributionImpact
Thermodynamics1879Second law of thermodynamicsFoundation of statistical thermodynamics, understanding of irreversibility
Quantum Physics1900Quantum theoryBirth of quantum physics, solution to the blackbody problem
Quantum Physics1906Planck constantFundamental constant of physics, basis of quantum mechanics
Philosophy1930sReflections on physical realityInfluence on the interpretation of quantum mechanics, debates with Einstein
Institutions1948Founding of the Max Planck SocietyPromotion of fundamental research in Germany, model for research institutes

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