Marie Curie, the renowned physicist and chemist, was indeed involved in a significant affair that caused a public scandal. After the death of her husband, Pierre Curie, Marie began a relationship with Paul Langevin, a former student of Pierre and a fellow scientist. Langevin was married at the time, which added to the controversy.
The affair became public knowledge when letters between Marie and Paul were leaked to the press. This led to a media frenzy, with many criticizing Marie for her actions. Despite the scandal, Marie Curie continued her scientific work and eventually won a second Nobel Prize, solidifying her legacy as one of the most important scientists in history.
It’s important to note that while the affair was a significant event in her personal life, it does not overshadow her monumental contributions to science. Marie Curie’s work in radioactivity has had a lasting impact on both physics and chemistry.