Rutherford of Nelson (1972)

The nuclear physicist, Ernest Rutherford, was born in New Zealand in 1871. Throughout his brilliant scientific career, culminated by his splitting of the atom, he never lost touch with his origins. 'Rutherford of Nelson' traces the man's life and work, and its theme is the continuing contact Rutherford kept with his homeland.

Rutherford’s discoveries about the nature of atoms shaped modern science and paved the way for nuclear physics. Albert Einstein described him as a ‘second Newton’. Rutherford is best known for splitting the atom in 1917, however this was just one of his hugely significant achievements.

In 1908 Rutherford received a Nobel Prize for his work on the disintegration of elements. His discovery that heavy atoms have a tendency to decay into lighter atoms heralded modern techniques of carbon dating. The second great discovery of his career was that the atom consisted of a tiny, dense nucleus surrounded by oppositely charged electrons – a model that still forms the basis of atomic theory today.

Rutherford was knighted in 1914, decorated with the Order of Merit in 1925 and made a Baron in 1931. Many streets, buildings, awards and scientific institutions are named after him. Rutherford features on the New Zealand $100 note and in 1997 he became the only New Zealander to have an element (rutherfordium) named in his honour.

Archives Reference: AAPG 22244 W5936 128 / 1387 [A1] R24191309
http://archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewF...

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Caption information sourced from www.nzhistory.net.nz

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New Zealand National Film Unit presents Rutherford of Nelson (1972)

The nuclear physicist, Ernest Rutherford, was born in colonial New Zealand in1871. Throughout his brilliant scientific career, culminated by his splitting of the atom, he never lost touch with his origins. 'Rutherford of Nelson' traces the man's life and work, and its theme, is the continuing contact Rutherford kept with his homeland.