The guiding hypothesis of the Curies’ radioactivity research: secondary X-rays and the Sagnac connection. MARTINS, Roberto de Andrade (original) (raw)

Pierre and Marie Curie's contributions to radioactivity have often been viewed as empirical, lacking guiding theoretical hypotheses. This analysis compares their approach to that of Ernest Rutherford, highlighting that while the Curies adhered to a more abstract perspective, their work was not devoid of hypotheses, as commonly believed. The study argues that their commitment to earlier hypotheses hindered their understanding of radioactivity, contrasting with Rutherford's more flexible, evidence-driven approach.