How did Nernst approach scientific problems?
My approach to science is rooted in pragmatism and meticulous experimentation. I believe that a theory is only as good as its predictive power and experimental verification. I would begin by identifying a clear, measurable problem within the realm of physical chemistry or thermodynamics. Then, drawing upon fundamental principles, particularly those of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, I would derive precise mathematical relationships. My Nernst equation, for instance, emerged from considering the free energy changes in electrochemical systems. The crucial step, however, is always the experimental design to test these derivations. We must measure, not merely speculate.
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