UPSC Prelims 2008 Q107: Science & Technology – Science & Technology History
Who among the following scientists shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with his son?
- (a) Max Planck
- (b) Albert Einstein
- (c) William Henry Bragg
- (d) Enrico Fermi
Answer: (c) William Henry Bragg
Explanation
Which scientist shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with his son
This notable father-son scientific duo jointly received a major physics honour.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Max Planck | Incorrect | Did not share a Nobel Prize with his son |
| (b) Albert Einstein | Incorrect | Did not share a Nobel Prize with his son |
| (c) William Henry Bragg | Correct | William Henry Bragg shared the 1915 Nobel Prize in Physics with his son, William Lawrence Bragg, for their work on X-ray crystallography |
| (d) Enrico Fermi | Incorrect | Did not share a Nobel Prize with his son |
Bragg father-son Nobel facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Year | 1915 |
| Work | X-ray crystallography |
| Duo | William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg |
Answer: (c) William Henry Bragg.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Max Planck did not share a Nobel Prize with his son.
- (b) Incorrect. Albert Einstein did not share a Nobel Prize with his son.
- (c) CORRECT. William Henry Bragg shared the 1915 Nobel Prize in Physics with his son.
- (d) Incorrect. Enrico Fermi did not share a Nobel Prize with his son.
Key point
William Henry Bragg shared the 1915 Nobel Prize in Physics with his son, William Lawrence Bragg, for their pioneering work on X-ray crystallography.
Remember
William Henry Bragg shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with his son.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Bragg father-son duo's unique shared Nobel Prize with other famous physicists.
- Not knowing the specific 1915 year and X-ray crystallography field of this award.
- Mixing up different physicists' individual (non-shared) Nobel Prizes.
Exam tip
William Henry Bragg + son William Lawrence Bragg = shared 1915 Nobel Prize in Physics (X-ray crystallography). A unique father-son Nobel pairing.
Sources
- Nobel Prize — The Nobel Prize in Physics 1915 (William Henry Bragg and William Lawrence Bragg), press release
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — William Henry Bragg