Julius Thomsen (1826-1909) and his contributions to thermochemistry, atomic theory, and the nature of chemical elements

Helge Stjernholm Kragh

doi:10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y

Julius Thomsen (1826-1909) and his contributions to thermochemistry, atomic theory, and the nature of chemical elements

Niels Bohr Institutet - Afd.

Abstract

The Danish chemist Julius Thomsen is probably best known as one of the fathers of classical thermochemistry and perhaps also for his more theoretical work related to the periodic system of the elements. According to Thomsen’s basic assumption, the evolution of heat in a chemical reaction was a measure of the involved affinities. It followed that thermal measurements would yield information of, for example, equilibrium and dissolution processes, and also elucidate the structure of organic molecules. Thomsen’s work on chemical elements resulted in an innovative version of the periodic system and speculations about the constitution of atoms. Moreover, shortly after the discovery of argon he predicted the group of inert elements. The article offers a summary account of Thomsen’s life and influence, nationally as well as internationally, and refers to his interest in applying science for technical and social purposes. His most important work in this area was of an industrial method to produce soda from the mineral cryolite located in Greenland.

Originalsprog	Engelsk
Artikelnummer	4
Tidsskrift	ChemTexts
Vol/bind	6
Antal sider	9
ISSN	2199-3793
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y https://doi.org/10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y
Status	Udgivet - 1 mar. 2020

Adgang til dokumentet

Citationsformater

@article{ea6b7f1291cf4e92b04964b5df464e74,

title = "Julius Thomsen (1826-1909) and his contributions to thermochemistry, atomic theory, and the nature of chemical elements",

abstract = "The Danish chemist Julius Thomsen is probably best known as one of the fathers of classical thermochemistry and perhaps also for his more theoretical work related to the periodic system of the elements. According to Thomsen{\textquoteright}s basic assumption, the evolution of heat in a chemical reaction was a measure of the involved affinities. It followed that thermal measurements would yield information of, for example, equilibrium and dissolution processes, and also elucidate the structure of organic molecules. Thomsen{\textquoteright}s work on chemical elements resulted in an innovative version of the periodic system and speculations about the constitution of atoms. Moreover, shortly after the discovery of argon he predicted the group of inert elements. The article offers a summary account of Thomsen{\textquoteright}s life and influence, nationally as well as internationally, and refers to his interest in applying science for technical and social purposes. His most important work in this area was of an industrial method to produce soda from the mineral cryolite located in Greenland.",

author = "Kragh, {Helge Stjernholm}",

year = "2020",

month = mar,

day = "1",

doi = "10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y",

language = "English",

volume = "6",

journal = "ChemTexts",

issn = "2199-3793",

publisher = "Springer",

}

TY - JOUR

T1 - Julius Thomsen (1826-1909) and his contributions to thermochemistry, atomic theory, and the nature of chemical elements

AU - Kragh, Helge Stjernholm

PY - 2020/3/1

Y1 - 2020/3/1

N2 - The Danish chemist Julius Thomsen is probably best known as one of the fathers of classical thermochemistry and perhaps also for his more theoretical work related to the periodic system of the elements. According to Thomsen’s basic assumption, the evolution of heat in a chemical reaction was a measure of the involved affinities. It followed that thermal measurements would yield information of, for example, equilibrium and dissolution processes, and also elucidate the structure of organic molecules. Thomsen’s work on chemical elements resulted in an innovative version of the periodic system and speculations about the constitution of atoms. Moreover, shortly after the discovery of argon he predicted the group of inert elements. The article offers a summary account of Thomsen’s life and influence, nationally as well as internationally, and refers to his interest in applying science for technical and social purposes. His most important work in this area was of an industrial method to produce soda from the mineral cryolite located in Greenland.

AB - The Danish chemist Julius Thomsen is probably best known as one of the fathers of classical thermochemistry and perhaps also for his more theoretical work related to the periodic system of the elements. According to Thomsen’s basic assumption, the evolution of heat in a chemical reaction was a measure of the involved affinities. It followed that thermal measurements would yield information of, for example, equilibrium and dissolution processes, and also elucidate the structure of organic molecules. Thomsen’s work on chemical elements resulted in an innovative version of the periodic system and speculations about the constitution of atoms. Moreover, shortly after the discovery of argon he predicted the group of inert elements. The article offers a summary account of Thomsen’s life and influence, nationally as well as internationally, and refers to his interest in applying science for technical and social purposes. His most important work in this area was of an industrial method to produce soda from the mineral cryolite located in Greenland.

U2 - 10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y

DO - 10.1007/s40828-019-0099-y

M3 - Journal article

SN - 2199-3793

VL - 6

JO - ChemTexts

JF - ChemTexts

M1 - 4

ER -

Julius Thomsen (1826-1909) and his contributions to thermochemistry, atomic theory, and the nature of chemical elements

Abstract

Adgang til dokumentet

Fingeraftryk

Citationsformater