Albert Einstein

Born:

March 14, 1879, Ulm, Württemberg, Germany

Died:

April 18, 1955, Princeton, New Jersey, United States

Nationality:

German (1879–1896), Stateless (1896–1901), Swiss (1901–1955), German (1914–1933), American (1940–1955)

Profession(s):

Theoretical Physicist, Mathematician

Early Life and Education

• Born in Ulm, Germany, to Hermann and Pauline Einstein.
• Showed an early interest in mathematics and science.
• Renounced his German citizenship at age 16.
• Studied at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, Switzerland, graduating in 1900.
• Initially struggled to find academic employment after graduation.

Career and Major Achievements

• Worked at the Swiss Patent Office in Bern from 1902 to 1909.
• Published four groundbreaking papers in 1905, often referred to as his "Annus Mirabilis" (miracle year).
• Developed the theory of special relativity.
• Explained the photoelectric effect, which earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.
• Developed the theory of general relativity, published in 1915.
• Became a professor at the University of Berlin in 1914.
• Emigrated to the United States in 1933 due to the rise of Nazism.
• Worked at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, until his death.
• Wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1939, warning of the potential for Germany to develop atomic weapons.

Notable Works

• "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies" (1905), introducing special relativity.
• "Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?" (1905), introducing the equation E=mc².
• "On a Heuristic Viewpoint Concerning the Production and Transformation of Light" (1905), explaining the photoelectric effect.
• "The Foundation of the General Theory of Relativity" (1916).
• "Relativity: The Special and the General Theory" (1916), a popular explanation of relativity.

Legacy and Impact

Albert Einstein is considered one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century and beyond. His theories revolutionized our understanding of space, time, gravity, and the universe. He remains a symbol of scientific genius and intellectual curiosity. His work continues to inspire scientists and thinkers worldwide. Many seek a comprehensive understanding through the study of the 'history of albert einstein biography pdf' documents and related resources.

Awards and Recognition

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