Rotation is Quantized | Sally Bjork
“That’s one of Jens Zorn’s physics-inspired sculptures,” says Dave Bicknell. Roy Clarke, professor of physics at U-M, explains: “This is the last artistic/scientific sculpture by Jens Zorn commemorating Elmer Imes’ trailblazing discovery of the quantum nature of molecular rotation in 1918.” Zorn, professor emeritus of physics, passed away in January.
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The sculpture is “by West Hall and Randall Laboratory,” writes Christopher Pannier. It stands in a courtyard adjacent to Randall Hall on central campus, where Imes conducted his doctoral research with Harrison Randall, Clarke notes. He adds that Dr. Imes was the second Black scientist to earn a Ph.D. in physics—and the first at U-M, according to David Karl.
Entitled Rotation is Quantized, Zorn created the sculpture in honor of Imes; it was fabricated by friend and former student David Crosby. It was dedicated in November 2024, and a twin sculpture stands on the campus of Fisk University in Nashville, where Imes established the physics department. The title refers to the principle that “‘molecules are restricted to discrete energy levels defined by a rotational quantum number,’” says Karl. “I have no idea what that means,” he admits, sourcing it “from a physics website.”
“This one was tough!” writes random drawing winner Shannon Kohlitz. “But on my I Spy exploratory run, I was in the area and remembered the sculpture alley at the physics building.” Five readers submitted entries, all correct. Shannon will take her $25 gift certificate to Big City Small World Bakery.
Use the I Spy image and hint below to identify the Ann Arbor location, and send your answer to [email protected].
This first took flight in 2024. | Sally Bjork