Niels Bohr

Revolutionized atomic structure understanding through quantum theory development

Niels Bohr (1885-1962), the Danish physicist who pioneered quantum mechanics, fundamentally altered humanity's comprehension of atomic behavior. His 1913 atomic model introduced revolutionary concepts like electron orbitals and quantum jumps, overthrowing classical physics doctrines.

Bohr's Copenhagen Interpretation became the foundation for quantum theory, introducing wave-particle duality and the principle of complementarity. During WWII, he played crucial roles in both nuclear physics development and anti-Nazi resistance, famously escaping Denmark in 1943 via fishing boat to Sweden.

As founder of Copenhagen's Institute for Theoretical Physics (now Niels Bohr Institute), he mentored 7 future Nobel laureates including Werner Heisenberg. His concept of quantum entanglement later inspired Einstein's "spooky action" description. Bohr's liquid drop model directly contributed to nuclear fission understanding, making him pivotal in both theoretical physics and 20th-century geopolitical history.