Léon Foucault
French physicist known for pendulum experiment
Born
September 18th, 1819
205 years ago
Died
February 11th, 1868
157 years ago — 48 years old
Category
Scientists & Innovators
Country
France
Links & References
Contributed significantly to experimental physics and is recognized for the invention of the Foucault pendulum, demonstrating the Earth's rotation. Conducted experiments in optics, notably measuring the speed of light with an accuracy that improved upon previous efforts. Served as a professor at the Collège de France, influencing the academic landscape of physics in the 19th century.
Invention of the Foucault pendulum
Measurement of the speed of light
Contributions to gyroscopy
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