Ludwig Boltzmann

20 February 1844 – 5 September 1906

Ludwig Boltzmann (1844-1906) was an Austrian physicist and one of the founders of statistical mechanics, which explains the thermodynamic behavior of matter in terms of the statistics of atoms and molecules. His statistical interpretation of entropy, encapsulated in the formula S = k log W, remains a cornerstone of physics, though his atomistic views faced strong opposition during his lifetime.

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Life events

Born in Vienna, Austria
20 February 1844

Ludwig Eduard Boltzmann was born in Vienna, the son of a tax official.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Studied physics at the University of Vienna
1863 – 1866

Boltzmann studied physics at the University of Vienna under Josef Stefan and received his doctorate in 1866.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed professor of mathematical physics at Graz
1869

At age 25, Boltzmann became full professor of mathematical physics at the University of Graz.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published the H-theorem and the Boltzmann equation
1872

Boltzmann's paper on the kinetic theory of gases introduced the Boltzmann transport equation and the H-theorem, giving a mechanical account of the approach to thermodynamic equilibrium.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married Henriette von Aigentler
17 July 1876

Boltzmann married Henriette von Aigentler, an aspiring teacher of mathematics and physics; the couple had five children.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Formulated the statistical definition of entropy
1877

Boltzmann gave the probabilistic interpretation of the second law of thermodynamics, relating entropy to the number of microstates, later expressed as S = k log W.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Derived the Stefan-Boltzmann law theoretically
1884

Boltzmann derived the law of blackbody radiation, previously found empirically by his teacher Josef Stefan, from thermodynamic principles.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Appointed professor of theoretical physics in Vienna
1894

Boltzmann succeeded Josef Stefan in the chair of theoretical physics at the University of Vienna, where he also lectured on the philosophy of science.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Duino, near Trieste
5 September 1906

Suffering from depression, Boltzmann took his own life while on holiday in Duino, then part of Austria-Hungary.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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