# Friedrich Kohlrausch > German physicist (1840-1910) **Wikidata**: [Q61090](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61090) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_Kohlrausch_(physicist)) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/friedrich-kohlrausch ## Summary Friedrich Kohlrausch was a German physicist (1840–1910) known for his foundational work in electrochemistry and conductivity, particularly his formulation of Kohlrausch's Law, which describes the limiting molar conductivity of electrolytes. He was a professor at the University of Göttingen and a member of prestigious scientific academies, including the Royal Society and the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences. ## Biography - Born: October 14, 1840, in Eutin, Germany - Nationality: German - Education: Studied at the University of Göttingen and the University of Marburg - Known for: Formulating Kohlrausch's Law in electrochemistry - Employer(s): University of Göttingen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Technical University of Darmstadt, University of Würzburg, ETH Zurich, University of Strasbourg, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt - Field(s): Physics, electrochemistry ## Contributions - **Kohlrausch's Law (1875)**: Formulated the law describing the limiting molar conductivity of electrolytes, which became a cornerstone of physical chemistry. - **Electrochemical Research**: Conducted extensive research on the conductivity of electrolytes, contributing to the understanding of ion mobility and electrolyte solutions. - **Scientific Leadership**: Served as a professor at multiple prestigious institutions, including the University of Göttingen and the Technical University of Darmstadt. - **Academic Mentorship**: Advised and trained numerous students and researchers in electrochemistry and physics. ## FAQs ### What was Friedrich Kohlrausch's most significant contribution to science? Friedrich Kohlrausch's most significant contribution was the formulation of Kohlrausch's Law, which describes the limiting molar conductivity of electrolytes. This law became a fundamental principle in physical chemistry and electrochemistry. ### Where did Friedrich Kohlrausch conduct his research? Friedrich Kohlrausch conducted research at several institutions, including the University of Göttingen, the Technical University of Darmstadt, and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt. ### What scientific academies was Friedrich Kohlrausch a member of? Friedrich Kohlrausch was a member of prestigious scientific academies, including the Royal Society, the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, and the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony. ### What awards did Friedrich Kohlrausch receive? Friedrich Kohlrausch received the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts and the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art, recognizing his significant contributions to science. ## Why They Matter Friedrich Kohlrausch's work in electrochemistry and conductivity laid the groundwork for modern physical chemistry. His formulation of Kohlrausch's Law provided a critical framework for understanding electrolyte solutions, influencing subsequent research in chemical physics and engineering. His contributions to scientific education and mentorship also shaped the careers of many physicists and chemists, making him a pivotal figure in the development of electrochemistry as a discipline. ## Notable For - Formulated Kohlrausch's Law, a foundational principle in electrochemistry. - Professor at the University of Göttingen and other prestigious institutions. - Member of multiple leading scientific academies, including the Royal Society. - Received the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts and the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art. - Conducted extensive research on the conductivity of electrolytes. ## Body ### Early Life and Education Friedrich Kohlrausch was born on October 14, 1840, in Eutin, Germany. He pursued his education at the University of Göttingen and the University of Marburg, where he studied physics and chemistry. His early academic training laid the foundation for his later contributions to electrochemistry. ### Career and Research Kohlrausch's career was marked by his work in electrochemistry and conductivity. In 1875, he formulated Kohlrausch's Law, which describes the limiting molar conductivity of electrolytes. This law became a cornerstone of physical chemistry, providing a framework for understanding the behavior of electrolyte solutions. His research on the conductivity of electrolytes was extensive and influential, contributing to the broader field of chemical physics. ### Academic Positions Kohlrausch held professorships at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Göttingen, the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, the Technical University of Darmstadt, the University of Würzburg, ETH Zurich, the University of Strasbourg, and the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. His academic positions allowed him to mentor and train numerous students and researchers in electrochemistry and physics. ### Scientific Contributions Kohlrausch's work extended beyond his formulation of Kohlrausch's Law. He conducted research at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, contributing to the development of scientific standards and methodologies. His research on the conductivity of electrolytes was groundbreaking, influencing subsequent work in chemical physics and engineering. ### Awards and Recognition Kohlrausch was honored with several prestigious awards, including the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts and the Bavarian Maximilian Order for Science and Art. These awards recognized his significant contributions to science and his leadership in the field of electrochemistry. ### Legacy and Influence Friedrich Kohlrausch's legacy is deeply embedded in the field of electrochemistry. His formulation of Kohlrausch's Law remains a fundamental principle, and his research on electrolyte conductivity continues to influence modern chemical physics. His work at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt also contributed to the development of scientific standards, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurements in the field. ### Memberships and Affiliations Kohlrausch was a member of multiple leading scientific academies, including the Royal Society, the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Sciences of Turin, and the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei. His affiliations with these academies underscored his status as a respected and influential scientist. ### Death and Later Recognition Friedrich Kohlrausch passed away on January 17, 1910. His contributions to electrochemistry and conductivity were widely recognized, and his work continues to be cited and referenced in scientific literature. His legacy as a pioneer in the field of electrochemistry ensures that his name remains synonymous with foundational principles in chemical physics. ## References 1. www.accademiadellescienze.it 2. Integrated Authority File 3. Czech National Authority Database 4. Complete List of Royal Society Fellows 1660-2007 5. Mathematics Genealogy Project 6. International Standard Name Identifier 7. CiNii Research 8. [Friedrich Wilhelm Georg KOHLRAUSCH. Academy of Sciences of Turin](https://www.accademiadellescienze.it/accademia/soci/Friedrich-Wilhelm-Georg-Kohlrausch) 9. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-117131) 10. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-9788) 11. Encyclopædia Britannica Online 12. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie 13. Croatian Encyclopedia 14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013 15. Virtual International Authority File 16. [Source](http://digitale.beic.it/primo_library/libweb/action/search.do?fn=search&vid=BEIC&vl%283134987UI0%29=creator&vl%28freeText0%29=Kohlrausch%20Friedrich) 17. nobelprize.org 18. CONOR.SI 19. Autoritats UB 20. [Source](https://ancestors.familysearch.org/de/MHK6-9VQ/friedrich-wilhelm-georg-kohlrausch-1840-1910)