Physics History

In 1910, physicist, Robert A. Millikan, first measured the charge on the electron, which is the fundamental electric charge, with his classic oil drop experiment.

Jun 12, 2009 - Paul A. Heckert

A brief biography of Robert A. Millikan, who won the 1923 Nobel prize in physics for his famous Millikan oil drop experiment.

Jun 12, 2009 - Paul A. Heckert

Henry Cavendish, in 1798, performed the experiment that can be used to measure the gravitational constant, G, however Cavendish calculated Earth's density not G.

Dec 22, 2008 - Paul A. Heckert

Hubert Mack Thaxton, an African American physicist who did fundamental work in nuclear physics and applied work in electronics and acoustics, faced racial discrimination.

Jan 30, 2008 - Paul A. Heckert

Galileo thermometers are popular ornamental thermometers. How do they work?

Mar 11, 2007 - Paul A. Heckert

With his telescope Galileo discovered craters on the Moon, spots on the Sun, Moons of Jupiter, phases of Venus, and stars in the Milky Way.

Mar 11, 2007 - Paul A. Heckert

Timing swings with his pulse Galileo discovered a fundamental principle pendulums, which led to more accurate clocks and the ability to accurately measure longitude.

Mar 2, 2007 - Paul A. Heckert