Marie Curie And Radioactivity

Marie Curie discovered radium and went on to lead the scientific community in studying the theory behind and the uses of radioactivity. She left a vast legacy to future scientists through her research, her teaching, and her contributions to the welfare of humankind. She was the first person to win two Nobel Prizes, yet upon her death in 1934, Albert Einstein was moved to say, "Marie Curie is, of all celebrated beings, the only one whom fame has not corrupted." She was a physicist, a wife and mother, and a groundbreaking professional woman. This biography is an inspirational and exciting story of scientific discovery and personal commitment. Oxford Portraits in Science is an on-going series of scientific biographies for young adults. Written by top scholars and writers, each biography examines the personality of its subject as well as the thought process leading to his or her discoveries. These illustrated biographies combine accessible technical information with compelling personal stories to portray the scientists whose work has shaped our understanding of the natural world.

At the start of the twentieth century, Marie Curie, a Polish physicist and chemist, stunned the scientific world. Her research led to the discovery of two elements, polonium and radium. She also examined the most unusual property of these elements: radioactivity. This graphic biography follows Curie from her early life in Poland to her scientific education in France. It also spotlights her work with Pierre Curie and her efforts to treat wounded soldiers during World War I.

Presents the professional and private lives of Marie and Pierre Curie, examining their personal struggles, the advancements they made in the world of science, and the issue of radiation in the modern world.

The pioneering scientist’s doctoral thesis on radioactivity that won her the 1903 Nobel Prize in Physics. In 1896, Antoine Henri Becquerel discovered the first evidence of radioactivity. Inspired by the physicist’s work, Marie Curie began investigating this phenomenon further with the help of her husband, Pierre. For four years, the couple researched various minerals and substances for radioactivity, a term she coined. In Radioactive Substances,Curie outlines with great detail her painstaking research and discoveries, which include the elements radium and polonium. Due to their breakthroughs, Marie and Pierre were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, the first of two for Marie.

Marie Curie is the only woman in history to win the Nobel Prize in two fields—physics and chemistry. Her amazing story and groundbreaking work are the subjects of this essential volume, notable for incorporating personal documents, photographs, and other primary sources to support the details of Curie’s life. Readers will recognize the heroism of Curie in the face of great challenges. For example, women in Poland during Curie’s school years could not obtain a university degree—she had to travel to France to study. They will also appreciate how Curie’s work in X-ray technology was applied to medicine, saving the lives of millions.

Pierre and Marie Curie made a terrific scientific team. They coined the term "radioactivity" and discovered two new radioactive elements: radium and polonium. Through engaging yet accessible text, readers will follow them as they grow up in loving families dedicated to education, develop into budding scientists, get married, and launch their lab. Students will learn about the Curies' hardships and triumphs and explore how scientific discovery builds upon itself and other scientists into the future. Detailed diagrams and informative sidebars help simplify the details of important scientific concepts, such as piezoelectricity, radioactivity, and Becquerel rays.

Learn about the great scientist Marie Curie as she advanced the study of radioactivity. You'll read about her life, the science behind her studies, and the impact of her work on the world today.