Maria Goeppert-Mayer

Nobel-winning physicist specializing in nuclear structure

Maria Goeppert-Mayer - Scientists & Innovators born 1906
Born

1906
120 years ago

Died
Category

Scientists & Innovators

Country

United States

Links & References

An accomplished physicist and academic, contributions to the field of nuclear structure led to a Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963. Worked on the development of the shell model of the nucleus, which provided significant insights into the arrangement of protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus. Taught at several prestigious institutions, including the University of California, San Diego, and played a pivotal role in advancing knowledge in theoretical physics.

Awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963 for developments in nuclear structure

Developed the shell model of the nucleus

Served as a professor at the University of California, San Diego

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