Dr CV Raman was one of India’s greatest scientists, best known for discovering the Raman Effect, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. Because of this discovery, February 28, the day Raman first observed this effect, is celebrated as National Science Day in India. His work changed the way we understand light and its interaction with matter, making a major impact on physics and modern technology.
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Early Life and Education
Chandrasekhara Venkata Raman was born on November 7, 1888, in Tamil Nadu, India. He was a brilliant student from a young age and completed his Master’s degree in Physics from Presidency College, Madras, at just 19 years old. Despite limited scientific resources in India at that time, he was determined to make discoveries that would change the world.
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The Discovery of the Raman Effect
While working at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in Kolkata, Raman made a groundbreaking discovery in 1928. He found that when light passes through a transparent material, some of it scatters and changes in wavelength. This phenomenon, known as the Raman Effect, became a fundamental principle in spectroscopy, helping scientists identify different materials based on how they interact with light.
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Why Is the Raman Effect Important?
The Raman Effect is now widely used in:
- Chemical and medical research – To identify molecules in substances.
- Forensics – To detect drugs and explosives.
- Space exploration – To study the composition of planets.
Besides the Raman Effect, Dr. Raman also contributed to:
- Acoustics – He studied how musical instruments produce sound.
- Optics and Crystal Physics – He researched the structure and behavior of crystals.
- The Color of the Sea – He explained that the deep blue color of the ocean is due to light scattering by water molecules.
Dr. Raman’s discoveries continue to influence science today. He founded the Raman Research Institute in Bangalore in 1948 and trained many future scientists. In recognition of his work, he received numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor.
Dr CV Raman passed away on November 21, 1970, but his contributions to science remain invaluable. His work not only put India on the global scientific map but also continues to inspire generations of scientists and students.
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