Emma, Rachel, Catherine, Mabel POINTS

Sir William Crookes was a Victorian scientist who’s work was fundamental in furthering the development of the atomic theory. Although his main achievements were in Chemistry, he also excelled at physics and astronomy. His deep belief in Spiritualism has cast some of his scientific findings into doubt.

Emma, Rachel, Catherine, Mabel POINTS

Led a team that researched the effect of neutrons on heavy atoms. This led to the discovery of nuclear fission.

Emma, Rachel, Catherine, Mabel POINTS

By bombarding the atoms with alpha particles, the successfully created these artificial radioactive elements: radioactive nitrogen from boron, radioactive isotopes of phosphorus from aluminum, and silicon from magnesium.

Emma, Rachel, Catherine, Mabel POINTS

By bombarding Beryllium with alpha particles, a high energy beam was emitted that hit a block of paraffin wax and caused it to emit protons. They believed the beam was gamma rays, but Chadwick later proved this beam to be neutrons.

Emma, Rachel, Catherine, Mabel POINTS

Their research in radioactivity had positive implications in the medical industry, as radioactive materials were being used more often. Being able to create radioactive materials artificially helped lower the cost.

Emma, Rachel, Catherine, Mabel POINTS

By bombarding light elements such as Beryllium with alpha particles, artificial radioactive isotopes were formed from stable elements.