Analysis of the Scientific Contributions of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen and Marie Curie

Essay from the year 2016 in the subject Physics - Nuclear Physics, Molecular Physics, Solid State Physics, grade: N/A, , language: English, abstract: The purpose of this essay is to help one comprehend how it is that the two had been successful in the aforementioned task. It is no easy feat to move the entire world forward in its current understanding of what we live in. Many adversities and obstacles had to be overcome, such as the thought that men were superior to women, back in the 1800's. Additionally, it is prudent to investigate how the element of chance had played a role in the discoveries pertaining to Curie and Röntgen. The scientific method we know and love today does not always guarantee the best results. Sometimes, sheer luck can accomplish what may take decades, if not centuries. It is also vital to acknowledge that despite taking the necessary measures to ensure your health and wellbeing, there is no guarantee that the experiments you may perform will not harm you. Science is dynamic, not static, and understanding the methods behind great scientists will allow future generations to progress the world forwards through to a new era. Throughout centuries, mankind has always been fascinated with our innate surroundings. Every moment of every day, new revelations in the sciences persist to clash with our understanding of the world we live in, threatening to toss and turn us to an immeasurable extent. Rather than being fearful of these new revelations, scientists throughout history take it upon themselves to explore broad new frontiers, in hopes to better comprehend the fabric of nature. Paraphrasing Tommy Lee Jones, from the hit movie Men in Black, 'Fifteen hundred years ago everybody knew the Earth was the center of the universe. Five hundred years ago, everybody knew the Earth was flat... Imagine what you'll know tomorrow.' (Jones, 1997). What one may know to be true now does not guarantee it to be the truth, only the true understanding that we are able to attain. Several hundreds of years ago, people would have cackled at the notion that there is a light that cannot be seen by the naked eye, yet can pass through a block of wood with ease. Furthermore, people would have chortled at the thought of a female scientist being able to make any noteworthy contribution to the fields of chemistry and physics, let alone discover not one, but two new elements. Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen and Marie Curie stood boldly in the face of current beliefs and understanding, solely to progress society's understanding of the world we live in.