"Peace cannot be achieved through violence, it can
only be attained through understanding."
"It's not that I'm so smart , it's just that I stay with problems longer ."
"Only a life lived for others is a life worth while ."
"Two things inspire me to awe -- the starry heavens above and the moral universe within."
"I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination
encircles the world."
"Great spirits have always encountered violent
opposition from mediocre minds"
PERSON OF THE CENTURY
Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
He was the pre-eminent scientist
in a century dominated by science.
The touchstones of the era--the
Bomb, the Big Bang, quantum
physics and electronics--all bear
his imprint.
Time Magazine, December 31, 1999
INTRODUCTION
Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879 in Ulm, Germany. He was a Nobel laureate, best known as the creator of the special and general theories of relativity and for his bold hypothesis concerning the particle nature of light. He is perhaps the most well-known scientist of the 20th century.
Albert Einstein is a true science hero, not only because of his genius and physics theories, but also because of his philosophy and compassion for the universe and its creatures. Einstein's groundwork in physics made possible technology as we know it today, from the space shuttle to the Internet we're using right now. While it may also be said that his work led to the development of nuclear warfare, he himself was a peaceful man.
Albert Einstein is truly the father of modern science.
3. The year 1905 is called Einstein's Miracle Year. Briefly explain each of his five accomplishments during that year.
4. In 1910 he published a 'minor' work. Describe what this paper was about?
5. In 1915, Einstein completes the General Theory of Relativity. Using your own words outline what this theory is about.
6. In 1917 Einstein makes what he would call his worst blunder. Explain what was he referring to when he said that.
7. As late as 1924 and 1925, Einstein predicted a new state of matter. Give the name of this state of matter and tell me whether or not his prediction was correct.
9. The speed of light is constant, but only when it's traveling in a vacuum. Click on the interactive window to the left and name the things that will slow down light as it passes through them.
