Richard Feynman

1918-1988

Playful physicist who explained nature

Published: September 16, 2025

Did you know that Richard Feynman once unlocked the secrets of the tiny world of atoms and even played the bongos to entertain his friends? He was like a real-life science superhero! Let’s dive into the amazing story of this brilliant thinker.

Richard Feynman was born in New York City in 1918 and grew up endlessly curious about how things work. In the 1940s and ’50s—almost 80 years ago—he helped build the first atomic bomb during World War II as part of the Manhattan Project. His biggest claim to fame came in 1965 when he won the Nobel Prize in Physics for explaining how tiny particles called electrons move and interact.

One of Feynman’s greatest gifts to science is his famous Feynman diagrams. Imagine drawing simple pictures of particles dancing and bumping into each other—that’s exactly what these diagrams do! Scientists still use them today to understand the universe. Beyond equations, he wrote fun books like “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman!” that made science feel like an adventure. His playful curiosity continues to inspire kids and grown-ups to ask questions, explore, and never stop learning!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did Richard Feynman teach for most of his career?

Feynman was a professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) from 1950 until his death, shaping generations of physicists with his lectures and mentorship.

What are the Feynman Lectures on Physics?

A three-volume set based on his undergraduate Caltech courses. They present core physics ideas with clarity and insight and remain popular learning resources.

Did Feynman work beyond particle physics?

Yes. He made contributions to topics like the path-integral formulation of quantum mechanics and explanations of superfluid helium, showing wide-ranging impact across physics.

Did Feynman have a role in the Challenger disaster investigation?

Yes. He served on the Rogers Commission in 1986 and famously demonstrated the O-ring vulnerability by dropping a piece of material into ice water, highlighting engineering risks.

How did Feynman change science teaching?

He emphasized deep understanding, simple models, and hands-on problem solving. His playful, example-driven style helped make complex ideas accessible to students.