Physicist · 1858 – 1947

Max Planck

Little-Known Facts

  • Planck initially regarded the quantum as a mathematical trick rather than a real physical principle.
  • His son Erwin was executed by the Nazis in 1945 for involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler.

Myths & Misconceptions

Did Planck immediately embrace the quantum revolution?

No. He introduced quanta reluctantly to fit the data and spent years trying to reconcile the idea with classical physics.