Ernest Rutherford

Physics New Zealander-British 1871 – 1937 427 quotes

Discovered the atomic nucleus and proton

Quotes by Ernest Rutherford

Physics is the foundation of all sciences.

Early lecture 1900

Curiosity is the engine of discovery.

Interview 1915

The atom is not the end, but a new beginning.

On nuclear discovery 1911

In research, persistence pays off.

Letter to student 1928

Radium changes its chemical properties over time.

Paper 1901

Science advances one funeral at a time.

Attributed (paraphrase)

The beauty of physics lies in its simplicity.

Speech 1930

We must question everything in science.

Lecture 1907

My work on radioactivity opened doors to the nuclear age.

Late interview 1937

Teamwork in the lab is essential.

Lab policy 1920

The electron is a fundamental particle.

Paper 1906

Failure in experiment is a step towards success.

Advice 1910

The universe is governed by laws we are just beginning to understand.

Speech 1925

I never made one of my discoveries through the process of rational thought.

Interview 1933

Geiger's counter is a wonderful tool.

On invention 1908

Science is built on the shoulders of giants, but also on the work of many unknowns.

Lecture 1919

The transmutation of elements is possible.

Experiment report 1919

Don't be afraid to challenge established theories.

To students 1921

The Cavendish Lab is where magic happens.

Remark 1919

Neutrons are neutral particles in the nucleus.

On Chadwick's discovery 1932