During the early twentieth century, physicist faced many challenges.

One of the most intractable

theoretical problems of the period arose from attempts was to take the next step in the progress
of quantum mechanics, the joining of quantum mechanics with relativity theory and electrons
with electromagnetic fields in the formation of a new theory called relativistic quantum
electrodynamics. Albert Einstein and Max Planck are the physicists responsible for this theory.
Planck, hypothesized the existence of tiny, indivisible quantities, or quanta, of energy. Einstein,
introduced the theory of relativity, the quantum theory of light, equivalence of mass and energy,
and the theoretical basis for conforming the existence of atoms (Cassidy, D.C., 2011). Isaac
Newton’s work was of direct relevance to physicists, but he was regarded as a founding father of
‘modern science’. In the early twentieth quite a bit of his work was under question, with the
development of new discoveries and theories, that question much of early work. If physicists
were to lose their hero in science, it would present many issues, concerning the relationship of
modern physics to past theories (Clark, I., 2014). Other challenges physicist faced was economic,
social and political pressure, and wars. Despite the issues and challenges physicist faced, they
were able to revolutionize, and despite discrimination and economic hurdles, women helped lead
the world in physics (Cassidy, D.C., 2011).

References:

Cassidy, D. C. (2011). A Short History of Physics in the American Century. Cambridge, Mass:
Harvard University Press.

Clarke, I. (2014). How to manage a revolution: Isaac Newton in the early twentieth century.
Notes and Records of the Royal Society of London, 68(4), 323–337.
http://doi.org/10.1098/rsnr.2014.0030