| Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Albert Einstein |
| Birthdate | March 14, 1879 |
| Birthplace | Ulm, Kingdom of Württemberg, German Empire |
| Nationality | German (until 1896), Stateless (1896–1901), Swiss (1901–1955), American (1940–1955) |
| Education | Doctorate in Physics from the University of Zurich (1905) |
| Known For | Theory of Relativity, Mass-energy Equivalence (E=mc²), Photoelectric Effect, Brownian Motion |
| Nobel Prize | Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his discovery of the photoelectric effect |
| Theory of Relativity | Special Relativity (1905) and General Relativity (1915) |
| Mass-Energy Equivalence | E=mc², where E represents energy, m represents mass, and c represents the speed of light in a vacuum |
| Photoelectric Effect | Explanation of how light can be both a wave and a particle, contributing to the development of quantum theory |
| Brownian Motion | Provided empirical evidence for the existence of atoms and molecules, confirming the kinetic theory of heat |
| Humanitarian Efforts | Advocate for civil rights, pacifism, and Zionism. Einstein spoke out against war and injustice and worked towards a better world. |
| Legacy | Einstein’s theories revolutionized physics and had a profound impact on various fields, including quantum mechanics, cosmology, and nuclear energy. |
| Death | April 18, 1955 (aged 76) |
| Place of Death | Princeton, New Jersey, United States |
| Burial Place | Ashes scattered at an undisclosed location |
| Residence | Lived in various places including Ulm, Munich, Zurich, Berlin, Princeton |
| Scientific Papers | Published over 300 scientific papers during his lifetime, covering topics such as relativity, quantum theory, and the structure of space-time |
| Thought Experiments | Utilized imaginative thought experiments to develop his theories, such as imagining riding on a beam of light to understand relativity |
| Pacifism | Advocated for pacifism and disarmament, actively promoting peaceful solutions to global conflicts |
| Atomic Bomb | Signed the Russell-Einstein Manifesto in 1955, warning about the dangers of nuclear weapons and calling for peaceful resolutions |
| Refugee | Fled Nazi Germany in 1933 and immigrated to the United States, where he continued his scientific work and became a citizen |
| Zionist Movement | Supported the Zionist movement and served on the first executive committee of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem |
| Patent Office | Worked as a patent clerk in Bern, Switzerland, where he had his “miracle year” of scientific breakthroughs in 1905 |
| Music | Played the violin and had a deep appreciation for music, often stating that if he were not a physicist, he would have been a musician |
| Nonconformist | Questioned authority and traditional education methods, often clashing with professors and challenging established scientific beliefs |
| Einstein Refrigerator | Invented a refrigerator that operated on compressed gases and required no electricity, receiving patents for his design |
| Vegetarianism | Practiced vegetarianism later in life, aligning with his belief in nonviolence and compassion towards animals |
| Family | Married twice, first to Mileva Marić and then to Elsa Löwenthal. Had three children: Hans Albert, Eduard, and Lieserl (who tragically died in infancy) |
| Intellectual Property Rights | Renounced his German citizenship in 1896 to avoid military service, which later allowed him to avoid persecution by the Nazis |
| Brain Anatomy Study | Donated his brain to science for research purposes, and it was preserved for study after his death |
Albert Einstein, born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany, is one of the great scientists in history. His work have totally change our understanding of physics, mathematics, and the universe.
Einstein showed an early talent for mathematics and science, though he struggled in a traditional school setting. His education at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich helped his future work, even after his challenges in structured environments.
The Miracle Year: 1905
In 1905, Einstein published four papers that would change the direction of physics. These papers introduced:
- Photoelectric Effect: Explained light as both a wave and a particle, which make advancements in quantum mechanics and earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.
- Brownian Motion: Provided proof for the existence of atoms and molecules, supporting the kinetic theory of heat.
- Special Relativity: Changed the way people think the about time and space by stating that the speed of light is constant and that the laws of physics apply to all observers who are not accelerating.
- Mass-Energy Equivalence (E=mc²): Proposed that energy and mass are interchangeable, forming the foundation of nuclear energy and atomic weapons.
General Theory of Relativity
In 1915, Einstein introduced the General Theory of Relativity, which extended his work on special relativity to include gravity. The theory proposed that gravity is not a force between masses, but rather the curvature of spacetime caused by mass. Einstein’s predictions were confirmed in 1919 when observations made during a solar eclipse discovered that starlight was bending around the sun.
Modern physics has been guided by Einstein’s theories, especially in the areas of cosmology and quantum mechanics. His equations could see an expanding universe, which Edwin Hubble subsequently verified, and his research on the photoelectric effect established the context for quantum mechanics. His theories also aided in the study of black holes and the development of the Big Bang theory.
Later Life and Legacy
After trying to escape Nazi Germany in 1933, Einstein moved to the United States and worked as a researcher at Princeton, New Jersey’s Institute for Advanced Study until his death in 1955. Along with his contributions to science, Einstein was a strong supporter of Zionism, pacifism, and civil rights.
New generations of thinkers are inspired by Einstein’s theories, which still influence science today. His imaginative contributions to physics and his commitment to advancing society have made a big impact..
Reference
- Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson
- Albert Einstein: A Biography by Albrecht Fölsing
- Subtle is the Lord: The Science and the Life of Albert Einstein by Abraham Pais
- Einstein: A Hundred Years of Relativity by Andrew Robinson
- Einstein: The Life of a Genius by Walter Isaacson
- Albert Einstein: Creator and Rebel by Banesh Hoffmann
- Einstein: His Space and Times by Steven Gimbel
- Einstein: His Space and Times by Philipp Frank
- The Einstein Theory of Relativity: A Trip to the Fourth Dimension by Lillian R. Lieber
- Einstein: A Biography by Jürgen Neffe