Marie Curie (for her studies on gases)

Marie Curie made significant contributions to understanding radioactivity, including its effects on gases. Her studies showed that certain radioactive elements release particles that can alter the properties of gases, such as causing them to glow or become ionized—meaning their atoms lose or gain electrons. She investigated how these particles interacted with gases, helping to reveal the nature of radioactive decay. Her work laid a foundation for understanding how substances emit energy and particles, advancing both physics and chemistry, and opening the door to medical and scientific applications involving radioactive materials.