What did she discover? Chien-Shiung was an experimental
physicist born in China in 1912. Wu dedicated most of her time to
researching particle physics, more specifically the theories around
beta decay.
She conducted experiments using an isotope of cobalt named
Cobalt-60 and proved that the beta particles were emitted
asymmetrically. Her research disproved the ‘Law of conservation of
parity’, which is a hypothetical law in particle physics which
states that all objects and their mirror images behave the same
way. She proved that this is not true during beta decay.
Wu made contributions to our understanding of radioactive
materials such as Uranium. She also conducted research which helped
scientists to understand more about sickle cell anaemia, an
inherited red blood cell disorder in which some blood cells are
abnormal and break down prematurely, resulting in fewer red blood
cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
She grew up in a culture where it was extremely rare for girls
to study science and yet she pursued her passion for physics. Due
to this determination she went on to become an excellent physicist
and she became the first ever female president of the American
Physical Society, often being referred to as ‘The First Lady of
Physics’.
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Something to think about...Why is it important for scientists to
continue to
question existing theories?
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Publicgo.pearson.com/science
1912 – 1997
Chien-ShiungWu
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