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Albert Einstein (1879–1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who revolutionized the field of physics with his theory of relativity and contributions to quantum mechanics. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest scientific minds in history.
Early Life
Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany, to a secular Jewish family. His father, Hermann Einstein, was an engineer, and his mother, Pauline Koch, managed the household. At an early age, Einstein showed curiosity about the natural world, particularly when his father gave him a compass, sparking his interest in science.
Einstein struggled in the rigid educational systems of his time but excelled in mathematics and physics. In 1896, he entered the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, where he graduated in 1900 with a degree in physics and mathematics.
Career and Major Works
After university, Einstein struggled to find academic work and took a job at the Swiss Patent Office in Bern. During his time there, he developed some of his most groundbreaking ideas in physics.
In 1905, often referred to as his "Annus Mirabilis" (miracle year), Einstein published four major papers that had an enormous impact on modern physics:
Special Theory of Relativity: This introduced the famous equation E=mc², showing that mass and energy are interchangeable. Photoelectric Effect: His work in this area laid the foundation for quantum theory, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921. Brownian Motion: He provided a theoretical explanation for this phenomenon, supporting the atomic theory of matter. Equivalence of Mass and Energy: Further explored the relationship between energy and mass. In 1915, Einstein published his General Theory of Relativity, which proposed that gravity is the result of the curvature of spacetime caused by massive objects. This theory fundamentally changed our understanding of gravity and was confirmed in 1919 during a solar eclipse, propelling Einstein to international fame.
Later Life
Einstein was a pacifist and social advocate. As a Jew, he fled Germany in 1933 when Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party came to power. He emigrated to the United States, where he accepted a position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.
During World War II, although a pacifist, Einstein famously signed a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt warning about the potential development of nuclear weapons by Nazi Germany, which contributed to the establishment of the Manhattan Project.
After the war, Einstein became a strong advocate for nuclear disarmament and international cooperation. He was also known for his support of civil rights, speaking out against racism in the U.S.
Personal Life and Death
Einstein was married twice, first to Mileva Marić, with whom he had two sons, and later to his cousin Elsa Einstein. He was known for his eccentric personality and deep commitment to both science and humanitarian causes.
He died on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, leaving behind a legacy as a transformative thinker whose ideas shaped much of 20th-century science.
Legacy
Einstein's contributions to theoretical physics laid the groundwork for many advancements, including the development of nuclear energy and much of modern physics. His name has become synonymous with genius, and his influence extends far beyond the scientific community.
