Date of Birth: November 27, 1903
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: October 5, 1976
Biography
Lars Onsager was a Norwegian-born American physical chemist and theoretical physicist renowned for his development of the Onsager reciprocal relations, which are fundamental to the field of nonequilibrium thermodynamics. Born in Kristiania (now Oslo), Norway, Onsager showed an early aptitude for mathematics and science. He earned his degree in chemical engineering from the Norwegian Institute of Technology in Trondheim in 1925. In 1928, Onsager moved to the United States to work with the renowned chemist Peter Debye at Cornell University. His work during this period focused on the theory of electrolytes, which laid the groundwork for his later achievements. Onsager received his Ph.D. from Yale University in 1935, where he would later become a full professor in 1945. Onsager’s most celebrated contribution came in 1931 when he formulated the Onsager reciprocal relations, which describe the interdependence of irreversible processes. This pioneering work earned him the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1968. Beyond his Nobel-winning work, Onsager made significant contributions to the theory of phase transitions and the study of liquid crystals. He spent the majority of his academic career at Yale University, where he remained a respected and influential figure until his retirement in 1972. Onsager passed away in Coral Gables, Florida, in 1976.
5 Interesting Facts about Lars Onsager
1. Lars Onsager was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1968 for his discovery of the Onsager reciprocal relations.
2. He initially struggled to get his work on electrolytes recognized, as it was considered too theoretical.
3. Onsager was known for his unconventional teaching methods and often preferred informal discussions over traditional lectures.
4. He was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and received numerous honorary degrees from prestigious institutions.
5. Onsager’s work extended beyond chemistry and physics; he made contributions to the field of mathematics as well.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lars Onsager
1. “The reciprocal relations are a generalization of the principle of detailed balance.”
2. “A scientist’s aim in a discussion with his colleagues is not to persuade, but to clarify.”
3. “In science, we must be interested in things, not in persons.”
4. “The beauty of a physical theory lies in its simplicity and ability to predict.”
5. “Understanding nature is not just a matter of explaining what we see; it’s about predicting what we have yet to observe.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
Lars Onsager’s highest net worth is not well documented, as his career was primarily academic and not focused on personal wealth accumulation.
Children
Lars Onsager had four children: Erling, Inger-Marie, Hans, and Christian.
Relevant Links
1. [Nobel Prize Biography](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1968/onsager/biographical/
2. [Yale University Archives](https://archives.yale.edu/repositories/12/resources/3036
4. [Science History Institute](https://www.sciencehistory.org/historical-profile/lars-onsager
