Robert Millikan
By: Nicholas Matocha
Robert Millikan
Robert Millikan was born on March 22nd, 1868 in Morrison, Illinois. Robert spent his childhood in a rural area in Iowa. After Robert graduated college in 1891, he took a teaching post in elementary physics for two years. Robert gained his interest through this. He Gained his Ph. D. for his research on the subject of polarization of light emitted by incandescent surfaces. From 1910 through 1921 Robert held the position of a professor at the University of Chicago. Robert also wrote and or co-wrote a total of eight textbooks on the subject of physics.
Robert made multiple discoveries in the three fields of optics, electricity, and molecular physics. His most famous discovery was when he figured out the charge of an electron. He determined the electrons charge through the "oil-drop method". He also found that all electrons have the same charge no matter the type of element.
Robert married Greta Blanchard in 1902, he also had three boys. Robert passed away on December 19, 1953, in San Marino, California.
Robert Andrews Millikan