The Disappearing Spoon Chapter 17

Chapter 17:Spheres of Splendor: The Science of Bubbles
Summary:
In chapter 17, the author begins by elaborating on bubbles. Donald Glaser first thought of bubbles while looking at bubbles rising in a beer. Because Glaser was curious to find out more about bubbles and the way they function, he began creating a bubble chamber. He first began to examine the bubbles in beer. However, then he examined the bubbles in another liquid. Due to his bubble chamber, he was able to receive a Nobel Prize when he was in his early 30s.


Furthermore, Kean then moves onto talking about Ernest Rutherford who was curious about how radioactive substances are able to innfect the air surrounding them with more of the radioactivity. Even though he knew about the studies that Marie Curie had done about radioactivity and radioactive elements, he chose an easier way. Instead of going Marie Curie’s way, he just took his time and kept examining the gases in radioactive elements slowly. With his patience, he was able to discover a new element. Not only this, but Rutherford aso found beta particles as well. He was able to earn a Nobel Prize with his discoveries.

Reflection:
I enjoyed the chapter only a bit because it wasn't as interesting as some of the other chapters, I got kind of confused while reading this chapter in some parts. I liked how Glaser was able to earn a Nobel Prize with his bubble chamber. I didn't know about how the work of scientists can sometimes influence the work of other scientists at times. Overall, this chapter was not that interesting, but it wasn't that boring either, it was okay.

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