# Johannes Stark

> German physicist (1874-1957)

**Wikidata**: [Q57092](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57092)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johannes_Stark)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/johannes-stark

## Summary
Johannes Stark was a German physicist (1874–1957) who made groundbreaking contributions to spectroscopy, particularly the discovery of the Stark effect, which describes the splitting of atomic energy levels in an electric field. He was a professor at the University of Göttingen and a member of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, shaping modern physics and earning recognition with awards like the Nobel Prize in Physics (1919).

## Biography
- Born: April 15, 1874, in Jena, Kingdom of Bavaria
- Nationality: German
- Education: Studied physics at the University of Würzburg and the University of Göttingen
- Known for: Discovering the Stark effect in atomic spectroscopy
- Employer(s): University of Göttingen, RWTH Aachen University, Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt
- Field(s): Experimental physics, spectroscopy

## Contributions
- **Stark Effect (1913)**: Discovered the splitting of atomic energy levels in an electric field, foundational to quantum mechanics and laser technology.
- **Nobel Prize in Physics (1919)**: Awarded for his work on the Stark effect, recognizing its impact on atomic physics.
- **Matteucci Medal (1924)**: Received for his contributions to physics, particularly in spectroscopy.
- **Leadership at PTB**: Served as director of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (1933–1939), advancing metrology and scientific standards in Germany.

## FAQs
### What was Johannes Stark known for?
Johannes Stark is renowned for discovering the Stark effect, which explains how electric fields influence atomic energy levels, a key principle in quantum mechanics and modern spectroscopy.

### Where did Johannes Stark work?
He held positions at the University of Göttingen, RWTH Aachen University, and the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt, contributing to both academic research and national scientific institutions.

### What awards did Johannes Stark receive?
He won the Nobel Prize in Physics (1919) and the Matteucci Medal (1924) for his pioneering work in atomic spectroscopy.

### What was the Stark effect?
The Stark effect describes the splitting of atomic energy levels in the presence of an electric field, a phenomenon crucial for understanding atomic structure and laser technology.

## Why They Matter
Johannes Stark’s discovery of the Stark effect revolutionized atomic physics, providing critical insights into quantum mechanics and enabling advancements in spectroscopy and laser technology. His work laid the groundwork for modern understanding of atomic behavior under external fields, influencing generations of physicists. As a Nobel laureate and director of the PTB, he played a pivotal role in shaping Germany’s scientific infrastructure, ensuring precise measurement standards that underpin industrial and scientific progress.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Physics (1919)**: First German physicist to win the Nobel Prize in Physics.
- **Stark Effect Discovery (1913)**: Named after him, this phenomenon is fundamental to atomic physics and laser technology.
- **Matteucci Medal (1924)**: Awarded for his contributions to spectroscopy and quantum mechanics.
- **Director of PTB (1933–1939)**: Led Germany’s national metrology institute, advancing scientific standards during a critical period.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Johannes Stark was born on April 15, 1874, in Jena, Kingdom of Bavaria. He studied physics at the University of Würzburg and the University of Göttingen, where he earned his doctorate in 1901. His early research focused on spectroscopy and atomic structure, setting the stage for his groundbreaking discoveries.

### Scientific Contributions
Stark’s most significant contribution was the discovery of the Stark effect in 1913, which demonstrated how electric fields split atomic energy levels. This phenomenon, named after him, became a cornerstone of quantum mechanics and spectroscopy. His work was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1919, making him the first German physicist to receive the award.

### Academic and Institutional Roles
Stark held professorships at the University of Göttingen and RWTH Aachen University, where he mentored future scientists. He also served as director of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) from 1933 to 1939, overseeing Germany’s national metrology institute. His leadership during this period ensured the accuracy of scientific measurements, critical for industrial and research applications.

### Awards and Recognition
In addition to the Nobel Prize, Stark received the Matteucci Medal in 1924 for his contributions to physics. His work was widely influential, earning him accolades from the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina and the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei.

### Legacy
Johannes Stark’s discoveries and leadership in physics and metrology left a lasting impact on scientific research and industrial standards. His work on the Stark effect remains foundational in atomic physics, while his role at the PTB helped establish Germany as a leader in scientific measurement. Stark’s contributions continue to be studied and referenced in modern physics and engineering.

## References

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4. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
5. [Physics 1919, Johannes Stark. Nobel Foundation database](http://data.nobelprize.org/page/laureateaward/23)
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9. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-4175)
10. [Source](https://kalliope-verbund.info/DE-611-BF-24718)
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