1900: A physics genius wandering around Europe

Chapter 141 Lecture and Encounter at the University of Copenhagen
On December 1902, 12, Li Qiwei and Wang Luyao embarked on a journey to Denmark.

As Luo Fuyu was transferred back to China, the safety of him and the people around him was no longer threatened, so Li San was not allowed to follow him this time.

Even if he encounters any problems, his current status and position are enough to handle them.

This time the route is the same as the previous trip to Sweden to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony, both of which are across the North Sea.

However, the journey is more than half the distance to Stockholm.

The straight-line distance between London and Copenhagen is only about 900 kilometers, and it only takes three days to reach there by the fastest ship.

After finishing the lecture in Denmark, Li Qiwei will take Wang Luyao to Germany, Switzerland, France, Belgium and the Netherlands in a counterclockwise order.

Finally, he returned to London from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, ending his last journey before returning to China.

On December 12, Li Qiwei and Wang Luyao finally arrived in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark.

Denmark is a typical small European country with a current population of just over two million.

When Chinese people in later generations hear the word Denmark, the first thing they think of is probably Andersen's fairy tales.

Although it belongs to the five Nordic countries together with Sweden, its climate is more suitable for human habitation.

The climate in the country is mild and stable, with warm winters and cool summers and abundant rainfall.

The country has a somewhat unremarkable history, having remained neutral in two world wars.

However, they were still beaten, which did not delay their fate of being invaded.

As the capital, Copenhagen is the largest city and port in Denmark.

In later generations, it was selected as the "most livable city in the world".

Denmark's iconic landmark, the Little Mermaid statue, quietly meditates by the sea.

The fairy-tale-filled castle and the royal palace are located next to each other in this fresh city.

A perfect blend of antiquity and magic, art and modernity.

The most famous university in Denmark is the University of Copenhagen, located in the capital.

The university was founded in 1479 and has a history of more than 400 years.

Unlike many universities in Britain, France and Germany, the University of Copenhagen announced in 1877 that it would admit female students and award degrees.

In other words, there are girls here, but the quality is questionable.

In later generations, the most famous event of the University of Copenhagen was the century-long dispute between Bohr and Einstein.

This ancient institution is filled with a strong atmosphere of academic freedom.

However, Bohr has not yet enrolled in school and is only 17 years old. Li Qiwei doesn't know whether he will have the chance to meet him this time.

On December 12, Li Qiwei brought Wang Luyao to the University of Copenhagen.

Leading the way to greet them was Ørsted, professor of physics at the Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Copenhagen.

Behind Oster are several other professors from the University of Copenhagen and many students.

Given Li Qiwei's current status in the physics community, he certainly deserves such courtesy and reception.

Oster stepped forward and looked at the young man between handshakes.

Although he had met Li Qiwei before, this was the first time he had such close contact with him.

The shock he received was no less than the last time in Sweden; the other party was simply too young.

"Mr. Bruce, welcome to the University of Copenhagen. You have made this place a great place."

"The teachers and students of the school can't wait to listen to your lecture."

Li Qiwei stepped forward and shook hands with the other party, looking at Oster, who was a typical Nordic man.

"Hello, Professor Oster, I am honored to receive the invitation from you and your school."

Now Li Qiwei is most afraid of saying hello to others.

They are all professors or academicians of so-and-so.

If you don't have a title yet, you can't let others call you: Hello, Nobel Prize winner in Physics.

“I really like the openness and inclusiveness of the University of Copenhagen.”

“This school is full of the spirit of freedom.”

When Oster heard this, a smile appeared on his face. He did not expect that Li Qiwei admired the University of Copenhagen so much.

Then he introduced to Li Qiwei several important people who came to greet him in order.

"This is Christian, professor of physiology at the University of Copenhagen."

Li Qiwei nodded and shook hands with the other party politely, without paying any special attention to it.

But a young man next to Professor Christian caught his attention a little.

The young man's eyes were bright and he looked at himself as if he had seen his idol, and his eagerness to make a move was obvious.

But this cannot conceal his spirituality in the slightest. One can tell at a glance that this child must be a genius.

He should be Professor Christian's son, otherwise he would not have been held back by the other party and dared not move.

Li Qiwei smiled and thought to himself that this was another little fanboy like Chris, and that he was really charming.

In a public place, he didn't want to ask too abruptly, so he retracted his gaze and faced everyone with a smile.

After introducing everyone, Oster said enthusiastically: "Bruce, I think you will definitely experience a perfect academic journey here."

Li Qiwei smiled and said, "I am looking forward to it too."

Then, accompanied and guided by Oster, the group came to the conference hall of the School of Science.

At this moment, the conference room was almost full of people. Looking around, there were definitely more than 300 people.

Almost all the teachers and students of the Natural Science Department of the University of Copenhagen attended this lecture.

Many people from other universities in Denmark also came to see the Nobel Prize winner in physics in person.

Li Qiwei's influence is evident.

As he and Oster entered, warm applause immediately broke out in the hall.

Li Qiwei was very happy. He was flattered by the preparations made by the University of Copenhagen. It seemed that no one here cared about his racial identity.

After Oster's brief and passionate introduction, Li Qiwei slowly walked onto the podium.

He walked steadily, looked around with a carefree demeanor, and was radiant. He suddenly discovered that there was a projector here as well.

This subtle influence made him feel extremely emotional, and he always had the illusion that he was about to enter the afterlife.

He adjusted his mind and looked at the crowd below, his expression still calm.

After all, having participated in several high-level academic conferences, Li Qiwei has become immune to big scenes.

For him, this kind of small lecture was easy and stress-free.

“Hello, students and faculty of the University of Copenhagen, and everyone.”

“I am very happy to be here and share the latest developments in physics with you all.”

"Bruce, I don't know much about physics."

As he spoke, he rolled his eyes upwards, nodded slightly, and then said slowly:

"But there is a little bit."

Such humble yet conceited words instantly caused laughter at the scene.

The audience was impressed by Li Qiwei's humor. This language art full of oriental contradictions gave people a special feeling.

"At the invitation of Professor Oster, the topic of my lecture today is: On the research trends of atomic structure."

"As you all know, when it comes to atomic research, the Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University where I work should be considered top-tier."

“There are not only strong faculty there, but also a very good research tradition.”

"The study of atomic structure has always been the mainstream and focus of the Cavendish Laboratory."

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As Li Qiwei told the story, the audience was fascinated.

From Maxwell to Lord Rayleigh, and from Thomson to Rutherford.

The Cavendish Laboratory has now been passed down for four generations.

Everyone can feel the profound academic background in physics.

Then, Li Qiwei started with the history of atoms.

The concept of atom was proposed, scientists studied its physical and chemical properties, and now they are studying its internal structure.

Then he talked about his own planetary model.

"The evolution of atomic structure from the date cake model to the planetary model perfectly demonstrates that physics is constantly developing through doubt and verification."

"I personally believe that the field of atomic physics is full of great treasures."

"There are currently countless unsolved mysteries inside the tiny atom."

“For example, what is the nature of electrons?”

“What’s inside the nucleus?”

“How can we observe atoms directly?”

"Are alpha rays, beta rays, etc. related to the internal changes of atoms?"

“Of course there are many other issues.”

“As we learn more and more about atoms, we uncover more and more questions.”

“Human knowledge is like a circle. Inside the circle is known, and outside is unknown.”

“As you continue to learn from high school, college, and graduate school, you gain more and more knowledge, so your circle gets bigger and bigger.”

“But the bigger the circle, the more unknowns it touches. This is an endless process.”

"So, current physics is not solidifying, but is a circle that is getting bigger and bigger."

“Anyone has the opportunity to excel in this field.”

“Thank you for listening.”

There was thunderous applause in the conference hall.

Li Qiwei's speech was easy to understand, yet rich in content.

Under his explanation, any concept seems to be unraveled, and the whole story is explained clearly.

There is no academic boredom at all.

He is like a wise man who guides people's thinking to the vast ocean of physics and allows them to appreciate the strange and magnificent scenery.

At this time, under the moderation of Oster, it was time for questions.

This is a rare opportunity.

Being able to communicate closely with such a genius in the field of physics is what all ordinary students dream of.

Although students participated in previous quantum theory and relativity conferences.

But almost no one dared to ask questions.

Because of your status and position, with so many bigwigs at the meeting, if you ask a stupid question, you would be ashamed and embarrassed.

However, the nature of today's lecture is different, as it is mainly aimed at university students.

Professor Oster used his extensive network of contacts to invite Ridgeway to give a lecture at the University of Copenhagen in order to inspire the students.

Let everyone take Li Qiwei as their goal, constantly climb to the highest peak of science and break the limits.

Therefore, no one will laugh at students who dare to ask questions.

And through this short hour or so, everyone also discovered that Li Qiwei is a very interesting person.

He is not like some scholars who become arrogant and look down on others just because they have a little knowledge.

On the contrary, he always gives people a feeling of being bathed in spring breeze.

In him, everyone can appreciate the great quality of equal academic exchange.

Li Qiwei’s speech on the stage was so good before, and everyone was so absorbed in listening that no one spoke up, and it seemed as if everyone had forgotten to ask questions.

Everyone was infected by his calm, powerful, loud and passionate voice and immersed in the ocean of knowledge.

And now, everyone is eager to try it.

(End of this chapter)