James Chadwick (1891–1974) was a British physicist who won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1935 for his discovery of the neutron, a subatomic particle with no electrical charge. Chadwick’s discovery had a profound impact on the understanding of atomic structure and played a crucial role in the development of nuclear physics.

Key points about James Chadwick:

1. Early Life and Education:
   • James Chadwick was born on October 20, 1891, in Bollington, Cheshire, England.
   • He studied at Manchester High School and later attended Victoria University of Manchester, where he studied physics under Sir Ernest Rutherford.
2. Collaboration with Rutherford:
   • Chadwick worked as a research assistant to Ernest Rutherford, a prominent physicist, and collaborated with him on various research projects.
3. Discovery of the Neutron:
   • In 1932, Chadwick conducted experiments that led to the discovery of the neutron, a neutral subatomic particle with a mass slightly greater than that of a proton.
   • The discovery of the neutron was a significant breakthrough in understanding the atomic nucleus.
4. Experiments with Beryllium and Paraffin:
   • Chadwick’s experiments involved bombarding beryllium with alpha particles, which resulted in the emission of neutral particles (neutrons).
   • He also demonstrated that neutrons could be slowed down by collisions with paraffin wax.
5. Nobel Prize in Physics (1935):
   • James Chadwick was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1935 for his discovery of the neutron. The Nobel Committee acknowledged the importance of his work in unraveling the mysteries of atomic structure.
6. World War II Contributions:
   • During World War II, Chadwick contributed to the development of the atomic bomb as part of the Manhattan Project. He served as the head of the British Mission to the Manhattan Project in the United States.
7. Later Career:
   • After the war, Chadwick continued his scientific work and held various academic positions. He became the Master of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, in 1948.
8. Honors and Recognition:
   • Apart from the Nobel Prize, James Chadwick received numerous honors and awards for his contributions to physics, including the Copley Medal in 1935 and the Hughes Medal in 1932.
9. Death:
   • James Chadwick passed away on July 24, 1974, in Cambridge, England.

James Chadwick’s discovery of the neutron was a crucial advancement in nuclear physics, providing key insights into the structure of the atomic nucleus. His work laid the foundation for further research in nuclear science and had practical applications in both peaceful and wartime contexts.