"We bombarded aluminum with alpha rays … then after a certain period of irradiation, we removed the source of alpha rays. We now observed that the sheet of aluminum continued to emit positive electrons over a period of several minutes."
Frederic Joliot-Curie
Physicist, Chemist
Frederic Joliot-Curie was a French physicist known for his pioneering work in nuclear physics and his commitment to using science for peace.
- Born
- September 19, 1897
- Died
- March 14, 1968
- Quotes
- 3
- Rank
- #1264
About Frederic Joliot-Curie
Frederic Joliot-Curie — Life and Legacy
Frederic Joliot-Curie was a prominent French physicist who made significant contributions to nuclear physics, particularly through his discovery of artificial radioactivity. His work not only advanced scientific understanding but also raised ethical questions about the use of nuclear energy. Joliot-Curie's belief that 'Science is a weapon of peace' underscores his commitment to ensuring that scientific advancements benefit humanity rather than lead to destruction. He challenged the prevailing notions of science being solely a tool for military power, advocating instead for its role in fostering global peace and cooperation. Today, his quotes resonate as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with scientific discovery, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations in the pursuit of knowledge.
Quote collection
Frederic Joliot-Curie quotes
3 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"Some months ago we discovered that certain light elements emit positrons under the action of alpha particles. Our latest experiments have shown a very striking fact: when an aluminium foil is irradiated on a polonium preparation [alpha ray emitter], the emission of positrons does not cease immediately when the active preparation is removed: the foil remains radioactive and the emission of radiation decays exponentially as for an ordinary radio-element. We observed the same phenomenon with boron and magnesium."
"I have always attached great importance to the manner in which an experiment is set up and conducted ... the experiment should be set up to open as many windows as possible on the unforeseen."