What Tore Apart the Friendship of Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg?

In summary, "The Copenhagen Fall Out" is a British documentary that explores the meeting between German physicist Werner Heisenberg and his Danish mentor Niels Bohr during World War II. The film includes access to personal correspondence and newly released documents, providing insight into the risks and impact of their meeting on their relationship. The conversation also mentions a play based on their meeting that was seen in Russia.
  • #1
AlienVisitor
Amazing British documentary. :!)

BBC - The Copenhagen Fall Out
In World War II, there were mounting fears that Hitler was building an atomic bomb. Such a prospect depended on two of the world's top nuclear scientists; brilliant German physicist Werner Heisenberg, and his Danish mentor, Niels Bohr. In 1941, Heisenberg traveled 200 miles in secret to Copenhagen to meet Bohr.
The meeting put both men at immense risk, and had a cataclysmic effect on their relationship. This film was made with access to their personal correspondence and newly released documents kept secret for half a century.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3325831859220140461
 
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  • #2
I saw a play in Russia based on their meeting (a few years ago), it was epic. I don't know about the film, however.
 
  • #3


I find the story of Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg both fascinating and intriguing. These two men were not only brilliant scientists, but also close friends and collaborators. The documentary, "The Copenhagen Fall Out," sheds light on their unique relationship and the impact it had on the development of nuclear weapons during World War II.

The fact that Heisenberg, a German physicist, risked his life to travel to Copenhagen to meet with Bohr, his Danish mentor, during a time of war, speaks to the complexity and depth of their friendship. The documentary provides valuable insights into the personal correspondence between these two scientists, as well as newly released documents that were kept secret for decades, adding a new layer of understanding to their story.

Furthermore, the film delves into the ethical and moral dilemmas faced by Bohr and Heisenberg as they grappled with the possibility of Hitler developing an atomic bomb. It raises important questions about the responsibilities of scientists during times of war and the potential consequences of their work.

Overall, "The Copenhagen Fall Out" is an amazing documentary that not only sheds light on the scientific achievements of Bohr and Heisenberg, but also explores the complex and often overlooked personal aspects of their relationship. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of science and the impact of World War II on scientific development.
 

1. Who were Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg?

Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg were two prominent physicists who made significant contributions to the field of quantum mechanics in the early 20th century.

2. What is Bohr's atomic model?

Bohr's atomic model, also known as the Bohr model, is a model of the atom that describes the structure of the atom and the behavior of its electrons. It is based on the idea that electrons orbit the nucleus in specific energy levels, and can jump between these levels by emitting or absorbing energy.

3. What is the uncertainty principle?

The uncertainty principle, developed by Heisenberg, states that it is impossible to know both the exact position and momentum of a particle simultaneously. This means that the more accurately we know one of these properties, the less accurately we can know the other.

4. What is the significance of the Copenhagen interpretation?

The Copenhagen interpretation, proposed by Bohr and Heisenberg, is a widely accepted interpretation of quantum mechanics. It states that the act of observation affects the behavior of particles, and that the behavior of particles is inherently probabilistic rather than deterministic.

5. How did Bohr and Heisenberg's work impact modern physics?

Bohr and Heisenberg's work on quantum mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the atomic and subatomic world. Their theories have had a profound impact on modern physics and have led to advancements in fields such as technology, medicine, and energy production.

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