= Herbert Becker
{c}
{tag=Physicist}
An experimental <nuclear physicist> who, with <Walther Bothe>, investigated penetrating radiation produced by bombarding <beryllium> with <alpha particles>. Initially interpreted as <gamma rays>, the radiation motivated tests of the recoil it produced in other materials. <James Chadwick>'s subsequent experiments identified the <neutron>, illustrating why observing penetrating radiation and correctly identifying its carrier were separate experimental steps.<The Existence of a Neutron by James Chadwick>[Opening discussion of Bothe–Becker beryllium radiation and its interpretation]{ref}
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