Angström, Anders Jöns
Anders Jöns Ångström (1814–1874)is a Swedish physicist who is noted for his study of light, especially spectrum analysis. In 1853, Ångström demonstrated that the electric spark yields two superposed spectra – one from the metal of the electrode and the other from the gas through which it passes. His studies of the solar spectrum led to his theory that hydrogen is present in the Sun's atmosphere (1862). He was the first to examine the spectrum of the aurora borealis in 1867. Then, in 1868 he was able to map the solar spectrum. The angstrom, named after him, is a unit of length used to measure light waves (1 angstrom= 10-10 meters). He also performed important work concerning heat conduction and devised a method of measuring thermal conductivity, which he showed to be proportional to electrical conductivity.
Further Reading
- Ångström Laboratory. Anders Ångström.
- The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. Spectrum Analysis
- University of Wisconsin-Stout Physics Department. Spectrum Analysis.
