John Archibald Wheeler

Date of Birth: July 9, 1911

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: April 13, 2008

Biography

John Archibald Wheeler was an American theoretical physicist renowned for his significant contributions to quantum mechanics, general relativity, and nuclear physics. Born on July 9, 1911, in Jacksonville, Florida, Wheeler displayed an early aptitude for science and mathematics. He earned his Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University in 1933. Throughout his illustrious career, Wheeler worked alongside notable physicists such as Niels Bohr and Albert Einstein. He played a pivotal role in the Manhattan Project during World War II and later became a driving force in the development of the hydrogen bomb. Wheeler is also credited with coining the term “black hole.” In addition to his research, he was a dedicated teacher and mentor, shaping the careers of many future physicists. He passed away on April 13, 2008, in Hightstown, New Jersey.

5 Interesting Facts about John Archibald Wheeler

1. John Wheeler collaborated with Niels Bohr to develop the liquid-drop model of nuclear fission.

2. He coined the term “black hole” in 1967, bringing a new understanding to the field of astrophysics.

3. Wheeler developed the concept of “quantum foam,” describing the microscopic structure of spacetime.

4. He was a professor at Princeton University for over 30 years and later joined the University of Texas at Austin.

5. Wheeler was a key figure in the creation of the hydrogen bomb, working on the project after World War II.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from John Archibald Wheeler

1. “Time is what prevents everything from happening at once.”

2. “We live on an island surrounded by a sea of ignorance. As our island of knowledge grows, so does the shore of our ignorance.”

3. “In any field, find the strangest thing and then explore it.”

4. “It from bit. Otherwise put, every ‘it’—every particle, every field of force, even the spacetime continuum itself—derives its function, its meaning, its very existence entirely from the apparatus-elicited answers to yes-or-no questions, binary choices, bits.”

5. “Black holes have no hair.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

John Archibald Wheeler’s net worth is not widely documented, as his wealth was primarily intellectual rather than financial. However, his contributions to science have an immeasurable value.