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Dr. Albert Einstein was a renowned physicist who revolutionized our understanding of the universe. Born in Germany in 1879, he developed the theory of relativity, which transformed our understanding of space, time, and gravity. His famous equation E=mc² showed the equivalence of energy and mass. Einstein’s work on the photoelectric effect earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. He also made significant contributions to quantum theory and the development of the atomic bomb. His ideas have had a profound impact on modern science and continue to inspire researchers today. Einstein’s genius and contributions make him one of the greatest scientific minds in history.
Have you ever been told that E = mc²? Have you ever come across the theory of relativity? If you have, then you might be familiar with the name of today’s Wonder of the Day – Dr. Albert Einstein!
So who exactly was Albert Einstein? Many consider him to be the pioneer of modern physics. He made more contributions to the field than any other scientist in the 20th century.
However, if you had known Einstein as a child, you probably wouldn’t have predicted his significant impact on the world. He was born on March 14, 1879, and grew up in Munich, Germany. Einstein excelled in physics and mathematics, but struggled with the strict rules of school. He dropped out when he was 16.
But dropping out of school didn’t mean Einstein stopped learning. He continued to study, driven by his own curiosity. In fact, it was Einstein’s sense of wonder that ultimately led to his success. He was highly inquisitive and always sought answers to his burning questions about the world.
Eventually, Einstein moved to Zurich, Switzerland, to study at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic School. However, before he could enroll, he had to complete his high school diploma. Once in college, he focused on studying physics and mathematics. He graduated in 1900.
After completing his education, Einstein struggled to find employment. Finally, in 1902, he accepted a position at the Swiss patent office. The following year, he married his first wife, Mileva Maric, who was also a physics student and his former classmate. Some even believe that Maric made contributions to Einstein’s work.
1905 marked a significant year for Einstein. It is often referred to as his “miracle year” because he published four papers that had a profound impact on the field of physics. This was also the year he submitted a paper to earn his doctorate degree.
What were these four influential papers? They explored the photoelectric effect, the existence of atoms, special relativity, and energy. The paper on energy introduced the famous formula E = mc².
From that point on, Dr. Einstein’s career took off. He became a professor at various universities, including the University of Prague and the University of Berlin. By the time World War I broke out, he was primarily living in Germany. In 1921, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Einstein gave the prize money to Mileva Maric, despite their divorce. At that time, he was already married to his second wife, Elsa.
For the next decade, Dr. Einstein continued to teach, conduct research, and write. In 1933, he left Germany to work at Princeton, just a month before Adolf Hitler came to power. As a scientist of Jewish descent, it was no longer safe for him to stay in his home country. He renounced his German citizenship shortly after leaving.
In the late 1930s, Einstein’s formula E = mc² became central to scientists’ work on the atomic bomb. Although Einstein was a pacifist and did not support the creation of the bomb, he feared the consequences if Germany developed atomic weapons before the U.S. and its allies did.
Dr. Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, informing him about the potential use of uranium in constructing an atomic bomb. This led to the formation of the Uranium Committee and, subsequently, the initiation of the Manhattan Project. Following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Einstein played a role in establishing the Emergency Committee of Atomic Scientists, which aimed to urge global leaders to limit the development of nuclear weapons.
Throughout his life, Dr. Einstein advocated for peace and supported the Civil Rights Movement as a member of the NAACP, promoting equality. He continued his studies in physics and mathematics, particularly focusing on subjects such as black holes, wormholes, and theories of creation. Additionally, he explored the possibilities of time travel and higher dimensions.
Dr. Einstein passed away on April 18, 1955, declining surgery after an aneurysm. While most of his body was cremated, his brain was preserved for scientific research, possibly against his wishes.
Today, Dr. Einstein is celebrated as one of the greatest scientists in the world. His contributions greatly impacted the fields of physics and mathematics. What do you believe was Einstein’s most significant influence on the world?
Try It Out
Expand your knowledge with the assistance of a friend or family member and engage in the activities presented below!
– NASA’s “10 Things Einstein Got Right” explores the ongoing discoveries that validate Einstein’s ideas about the functioning of the world. What did you learn from this resource? Summarize the information for a friend or family member.
– Imagine you had the opportunity to interview Dr. Albert Einstein. Compile a list of ten questions you would like to ask him. Ensure that none of the answers can be found in this Wonder! Then, discuss your questions with a friend or family member. Finally, attempt to find answers either online or at your local library.
– The Nobel Prize website showcases photographs depicting various aspects of Einstein’s life. What can you infer from these images about Einstein? Furthermore, what additional information can you gather? Discuss your observations with a friend or family member.
Wonder Sources
– Accessed on February 18, 2021: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/physics/1921/einstein/biographical/
– Accessed on February 18, 2021: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Albert-Einstein
– Accessed on February 18, 2021: https://www.biography.com/scientist/albert-einstein
– Accessed on February 18, 2021: https://www.space.com/15524-albert-einstein.html
– Accessed on February 18, 2021: https://learnersdictionary.com/
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