# Walther Nernst

> German physical chemist and physicist (1864–1941)

**Wikidata**: [Q57125](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q57125)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walther_Nernst)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/walther-nernst

## Summary
Walther Nernst was a renowned German physical chemist and physicist who lived from 1864 to 1941. He is best known for his foundational work in thermodynamics and electrochemistry, including the formulation of the Nernst equation and the discovery of the third law of thermodynamics. His scientific leadership extended to directing the Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt and earning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1920.

## Biography
- **Born**: June 25, 1864
- **Nationality**: German (Citizenship: Q27306, Q41304)
- **Education**: Educated at the University of Göttingen, University of Zurich, University of Graz, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, University of Würzburg, and Leipzig University.
- **Known for**: Formulating the Nernst equation, discovering the third law of thermodynamics, and developing the Nernst lamp.
- **Employer(s)**: Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (served as director from 1922–1924), University of Göttingen, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.
- **Field(s)**: Physical chemistry, physics.

## Contributions
Walther Nernst made several groundbreaking contributions to science and technology:
- **Nernst Equation**: Formulated a fundamental physical law in electrochemistry used to calculate the electromigration of ions in a fluid and determine electrode potentials.
- **Third Law of Thermodynamics**: Discovered and formulated the third law of thermodynamics, a cornerstone of physical chemistry that describes the behavior of systems as they approach absolute zero.
- **Nernst Lamp**: Invented the Nernst lamp in 1897, an early form of incandescent lamp that utilized a ceramic rod heated by electricity.
- **Nernst Effect**: Discovered the Nernst effect, a thermoelectric (or thermomagnetic) phenomenon where a temperature gradient in a conductor creates an electric field perpendicular to both the gradient and a magnetic field.
- **Nernst–Planck Equation**: Developed the Nernst–Planck equation, which is used to calculate the electromigration of ions in a fluid, combining diffusion and migration.
- **Leadership at PTB**: Served as the director of the Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt (now Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) from 1922 to 1924, overseeing national metrology standards.
- **Membrane Potential Research**: Contributed to the understanding of membrane potential, a type of physical quantity critical to biophysics and electrochemistry.

## FAQs
**What were Walther Nernst's most significant scientific discoveries?**
Nernst is most famous for formulating the third law of thermodynamics and the Nernst equation, which are fundamental to understanding chemical equilibrium and electrochemical cells. He also discovered the Nernst effect and developed the Nernst–Planck equation for ion migration.

**Which institutions did Walther Nernst work for during his career?**
He held academic positions at several prestigious universities, including the University of Göttingen and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. Additionally, he served as the director of the Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt (PTB) in Germany from 1922 to 1924.

**What awards and honors did Walther Nernst receive?**
Nernst was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1920 for his work in thermochemistry. He also received the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts, the Franklin Medal, and was a member of numerous academies, including the Royal Society and the Prussian Academy of Sciences.

**How is Walther Nernst remembered in the scientific community today?**
His legacy is preserved through the Nernst equation, the Nernst effect, and the Nernst lamp, all of which bear his name. A lunar crater named "Nernst" and his extensive membership in global scientific academies further cement his status as a pivotal figure in physical chemistry.

## Why They Matter
Walther Nernst fundamentally altered the landscape of physical chemistry by bridging the gap between thermodynamics and electrochemistry. His formulation of the third law of thermodynamics provided a theoretical basis for calculating absolute entropies, which is essential for predicting chemical reactions and equilibrium states. Without his work, the development of modern electrochemical technologies, such as batteries and fuel cells, would have been significantly delayed. His invention of the Nernst lamp represented a crucial step in the evolution of electric lighting before the dominance of tungsten filaments. Furthermore, his leadership at the Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt helped standardize scientific measurements in Germany, influencing industrial and research practices globally. His contributions to the understanding of ion migration and membrane potentials laid the groundwork for modern biophysics and neurology.

## Notable For
- **Nobel Prize in Chemistry**: Awarded in 1920 for his work in thermochemistry.
- **Third Law of Thermodynamics**: The discoverer of this fundamental law of physics.
- **Nernst Equation**: The creator of the equation essential for calculating electrode potentials.
- **Nernst Lamp**: The inventor of this early incandescent light source (1897).
- **Nernst Effect**: The discoverer of this thermomagnetic phenomenon.
- **Director of PTB**: Led the Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt from 1922 to 1924.
- **Pour le Mérite**: Recipient of the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts order.
- **Franklin Medal**: Recipient of this prestigious science award from the Franklin Institute.
- **Academic Membership**: Elected member of the Royal Society, German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, Bavarian Academy of Sciences, Göttingen Academy, Academy of Sciences of the USSR, Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences, Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, and Academy of Sciences of Turin.
- **Nernst–Planck Equation**: Developer of this equation for ion electromigration.
- **Membrane Potential Research**: Significant contributor to the study of membrane potentials.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Walther Hermann Nernst was born on June 25, 1864, in Germany. He pursued his higher education across several of Europe's most distinguished institutions. His academic journey included studies at the University of Göttingen, the University of Zurich, the University of Graz, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, the University of Würzburg, and Leipzig University. This diverse educational background equipped him with the interdisciplinary knowledge necessary to excel in both physics and chemistry.

### Scientific Career and Research
Nernst's career was defined by his pioneering work in physical chemistry. He is best known for the Nernst equation, a physical law in electrochemistry that allows for the calculation of the electromigration of ions in a fluid. This work was instrumental in advancing the understanding of electrochemical cells. In 1897, he invented the Nernst lamp, an early form of incandescent lamp that utilized a ceramic rod, marking a significant innovation in lighting technology. His discovery of the Nernst effect, a thermoelectric or thermomagnetic phenomenon, further demonstrated his ability to uncover complex physical relationships. Additionally, he developed the Nernst–Planck equation, which is critical for calculating ion migration, and contributed to the understanding of membrane potential. His most profound theoretical contribution was the discovery of the third law of thermodynamics, which describes the behavior of systems as they approach absolute zero.

### Leadership and Institutional Roles
Beyond his research, Nernst held significant leadership positions. He served as the director of the Physikalisch-Technische Reichsanstalt (now the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt) from 1922 to 1924. This institute, founded in 1887, is the national metrology institute of the German Federal Republic, responsible for research and experimental development in natural sciences and engineering. His tenure there placed him at the helm of Germany's scientific measurement standards. He was also affiliated with the University of Göttingen and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, where he influenced generations of scientists.

### Honors and Recognition
Nernst's contributions were widely recognized by the international scientific community. In 1920, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work in thermochemistry. He received the Franklin Medal from the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts, a high honor in Prussia and later Germany. His stature was further acknowledged by his election to numerous prestigious academies, including the Royal Society, the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities, the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences, the Royal Prussian Academy of Sciences, and the Academy of Sciences of Turin.

### Legacy and Commemoration
Walther Nernst's legacy endures through various scientific concepts and institutions named in his honor. The Nernst equation, the Nernst effect, the Nernst lamp, and the Nernst–Planck equation remain fundamental to modern physics and chemistry. A lunar crater on the Moon is named "Nernst" in his memory. He passed away on November 18, 1941, leaving behind a rich legacy of scientific discovery and institutional leadership that continues to shape the fields of physical chemistry and thermodynamics. His grave is located at the Stadtfriedhof Göttingen.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. www.accademiadellescienze.it
3. BnF authorities
4. Find a Grave
5. [The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1920. nobelprize.org](https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/chemistry/1920/summary/)
6. [Table showing prize amounts. Nobel Foundation. 2019](https://www.nobelprize.org/uploads/2019/04/prize-amounts-2020.pdf)
7. National Inventors Hall of Fame
8. Complete List of Royal Society Fellows 1660-2007
9. Mathematics Genealogy Project
10. Kurt Wohl. His life and work
11. CiNii Research
12. Virtual International Authority File
13. OPAC SBN
14. Q137732450
15. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
16. SNAC
17. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
18. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
19. Munzinger Personen
20. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
21. nobelprize.org
22. Czech National Authority Database
23. CONOR.SI
24. Autoritats UB
25. LIBRIS. 2012