Einstein Presentation

Einstein Presentation

Let's go!

By Jeanne Hoang and Stephanie de Berail

Summary

I - The photoelectric effect II - Special theory of relativity III - Max Planck IV - Earth goes around the sun V - Married life VI - David Hilbert VII - General theory of relativity VIII - Arthur Stanley Edinghton

The photoelectric effect

What is the photoelectric effect: The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon where electrons are emitted from a material, usually a metal, when it absorbs light or electromagnetic radiation. When light strikes the surface of a metal, it can impart energy to the electrons within that metal. If the energy of the incoming photons (light particles) is sufficient to overcome the binding energy that holds the electrons in the metal, those electrons are ejected from the surface. The energy of each photon is directly proportional to its frequency, described by the equation: 𝐸=ℎ𝜈 Its significance in Physics The photoelectric effect provided evidence that light can behave as both a wave and a particle (wave-particle duality). Before Einstein's work, light was primarily thought of as a wave.Albert Einstein's explanation of the photoelectric effect in 1905 earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. His work on the photoelectric effect was instrumental in the early development of quantum theory.

Special theory of relativity

Einstein’s theory posits that space and time are not independent entities but are interwoven into a singular continuum known as space-time. This means that the fabric of the universe is not simply a three-dimensional stage on which events occur; rather, it integrates the dimensions of time as a crucial aspect of the four-dimensional continuum. As Einstein contemplated the implications of moving at the speed of light, he realized that time does not pass uniformly for all observers. The special theory of relativity emphasizes the dynamic relationship between space and time, ultimately transforming our scientific view of the universe and laying essential groundwork for modern physics.

Earth goes around the sun

Historical context

The traditional view pre-Einstein, largely based on Isaac Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation, stated that the Earth’s orbit around the Sun was a result of gravitational attraction. Newton termed this force as "gravity" pulling the Earth toward the Sun.

Einstein’s Insight

Einstein introduced a radical perspective in his General Theory of Relativity, proposing that rather than a force pulling the Earth toward the Sun, the Earth is actually moving along a curved path due to the curvature of space caused by the Sun's mass. This concept represents a fundamental shift in understanding the interactions between mass and gravity.

Max Planck

Max Planck recognized the brilliance of Einstein's papers, particularly during Einstein's "miracle year" in 1905. Despite Einstein being largely unknown at that time, Planck immediately understood the importance of his work on relativity and became one of the first advocates for his theories. As the editor of the prestigious journal "Annalen der Physik," Planck played a crucial role in facilitating the publication of Einstein's seminal papers, which would transform theoretical physics profoundly.

Planck is widely regarded as the father of quantum theory, having introduced the concept of quantized energy levels, which laid the foundation for modern physics alongside Einstein’s relativity.

His work and theories significantly influenced future developments in quantum mechanics, and his recognition of energy quanta paved the way for advancements that would be instrumental in shaping the scientific landscape of the 20th century.

Married life

First marriage

Albert Einstein and Mileva Marić Albert Einstein married Mileva Marić in 1903 after meeting as students at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic, where she was the only woman in their physics class. Bonded by a shared passion for science, they faced financial struggles and societal pressures after the birth of their first child, Hans Albert, shortly before their marriage. Despite initial collaboration in science, tensions arose as Einstein's career flourished while Marić felt overshadowed, straining their relationship. They divorced in 1919.

Second marriage

After his divorce from Marić, Einstein's relationship with his cousin, Elsa Löwenthal, became more pronounced. They married in 1919, and Elsa's nurturing nature and skills in managing household affairs provided Einstein with much-needed stability. Unlike Marić, Elsa was not involved in the scientific community, which allowed for a different dynamic within their marriage. As Einstein's fame grew after World War I, Elsa often accompanied him during public engagements and social events. Her presence added to his social standing, and she played a pivotal role in maintaining his public image as a scientific genius. Their marriage allowed Einstein to navigate the complexities of fame while providing a sense of domestic comfort.

David Hilbert

His involvement in Einstein's work Hilbert made significant contributions that complemented Einstein's work. He attempted to generalize Einstein's findings, striving for a more formalized mathematical description of the gravitational field. Hilbert’s efforts generated a unique interplay between physics and mathematics, leading to the drafting of the Hilbert action, which forms a critical part of modern theoretical physics. His work helped solidify the foundations of general relativity through rigorous mathematical formulation

Who is David Hilbert? David Hilbert is acknowledged as one of the greatest mathematicians of the early 20th century. His work encompassed various areas of mathematics, and he was known for his ability to tackle complex problems with rigorous mathematical theories.

General theory of relativity

The General Theory of Relativity was published by Albert Einstein in 1915. Einstein aimed to generalize his earlier findings to incorporate acceleration and gravity, ultimately leading to a new understanding of how these forces interact with time and space. The theory predicted that light would bend in the presence of a strong gravitational field. Einstein conceptualized an experiment involving light from distant stars passing near the Sun, which would allow for the measurement of this bending effect. The 1919 solar eclipse became a pivotal moment in confirming Einstein's theory. During the eclipse, astronomers observed that the positions of stars appeared shifted due to the bending of light, aligning with Einstein's predictions. This event gained widespread media attention, solidifying Einstein's reputation as a groundbreaking physicist and affirming the validity of his theory. The theory laid the groundwork for various advancements in astrophysics and cosmology, influencing concepts such as black holes, gravitational waves, and the expanding universe. It significantly impacted how scientists conceptualize the universe's structure and the relationships between mass, space, and time.

Arthur Stanley Eddington

Arthur Eddington is depicted as one of the leading astronomers of his time, known for his expertise and contributions to the field of astrophysics. He was the head of the Cambridge Observatory and was respected internationally for his scientific work. Eddington sought to demonstrate the validity of Einstein's prediction that light would bend around massive objects, such as the Sun. He traveled to Príncipe, a small island off the coast of West Africa, where he set up equipment to capture images of the stars during the eclipse. Eddington managed to obtain photographs that confirmed Einstein's predictions regarding the bending of light. The measurements showed that the bending was consistent with Einstein's calculations, providing crucial evidence for the General Theory of Relativity. Arthur Stanley Eddington was a key figure in the acceptance of Einstein's General Theory of Relativity.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION