Lise Meitner's hypothesis

Lise Meitner was a physicist who, along with Otto Hahn, discovered nuclear fission—the process by which an atomic nucleus splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy. While Hahn conducted experiments, Meitner provided the theoretical explanation, suggesting that when a uranium nucleus absorbs a neutron, it becomes unstable and splits, producing lighter elements and releasing energy. This groundbreaking hypothesis laid the foundation for nuclear energy and weapons. Despite her crucial role, she didn't receive the Nobel Prize, highlighting gender biases in science. Meitner's work remains pivotal in understanding nuclear reactions today.