Albert Einstein, one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century, revolutionized the way we understand the universe. His contributions to theoretical physics, particularly the theory of relativity, have had a profound impact on science and our conception of space, time, and energy. This detailed biography delves into Einstein’s life, from his early years to his groundbreaking discoveries, personal struggles, and enduring legacy.
Albert Einstein: Quick Biodata
Personal Information
- Full Name: Albert Einstein
- Date of Birth: March 14, 1879
- Place of Birth: Ulm, Kingdom of Württemberg, German Empire
- Date of Death: April 18, 1955
- Place of Death: Princeton, New Jersey, USA
- Nationality: German (later Swiss and American)
- Ethnicity: Jewish
Family
- Father: Hermann Einstein (Engineer and Salesman)
- Mother: Pauline Koch (Homemaker)
- Siblings: Maria (Maja) Einstein (Younger Sister)
Marital Status
- First Wife: Mileva Marić (married 1903, divorced 1919)
- Second Wife: Elsa Löwenthal (married 1919, died 1936)
Children
- Hans Albert Einstein (Born 1904)
- Eduard Einstein (Born 1910)
- Lieserl Einstein (Born 1902, presumed to have died in infancy)
Education
- Primary Education: Catholic Elementary School in Munich, Germany
- Secondary Education: Luitpold Gymnasium in Munich, Germany; Aarau Cantonal School, Switzerland
- Higher Education:
- Swiss Federal Polytechnic, Zurich, Switzerland (Diploma in Teaching of Physics and Mathematics, 1900)
- University of Zurich (Doctorate in Physics, 1905)
Academic and Professional Positions
- Swiss Patent Office, Bern: Technical Expert, Third Class (1902-1909)
- University of Zurich: Lecturer, later Associate Professor of Theoretical Physics (1909-1911)
- Charles University, Prague: Full Professor of Theoretical Physics (1911-1912)
- Swiss Federal Polytechnic, Zurich: Professor (1912-1914)
- University of Berlin: Professor (1914-1933)
- Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton, New Jersey: Professor (1933-1955)
Key Scientific Contributions
- Photoelectric Effect (1905): Proposed that light consists of quanta (photons), leading to the quantum theory of light.
- Brownian Motion (1905): Provided empirical evidence for the existence of atoms and molecules.
- Special Theory of Relativity (1905): Introduced the concepts of space-time relativity and the equation E=mc2E = mc^2.
- General Theory of Relativity (1915): Proposed that gravity is the curvature of space-time caused by mass.
- Mass-Energy Equivalence: Elaborated on the relationship between mass and energy.
Awards and Honors
- Nobel Prize in Physics (1921): For the discovery of the photoelectric effect.
- Copley Medal (1925)
- Max Planck Medal (1929)
- Memberships:
- Prussian Academy of Sciences
- Royal Society
- National Academy of Sciences
Publications
- Annus Mirabilis Papers (1905): Four papers published in “Annalen der Physik”.
- Relativity: The Special and the General Theory (1916): A book explaining his theories of relativity for the general public.
- Numerous scientific papers and articles on theoretical physics.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
- Renowned for revolutionizing theoretical physics with his theories of relativity.
- His equation E=mc2E = mc^2 is one of the most famous formulas in science.
- Became a global icon representing genius and intellectual achievement.
- Advocate for peace, civil rights, and Jewish causes.
- Refused the presidency of Israel in 1952.
Death
- Cause of Death: Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Final Resting Place: Ashes scattered at an undisclosed location.
Posthumous Recognition
- Einstein’s brain was preserved for scientific study.
- His legacy continues to inspire scientific inquiry and popular interest in physics.
Early Life and Education
Birth and Family Background
Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Kingdom of Württemberg, German Empire. His parents, Hermann Einstein and Pauline Koch, were secular, middle-class Jews. Hermann was a salesman and engineer, and Pauline was a homemaker. Albert had one sister, Maria (Maja), who was born two years after him.
Childhood and Early Education
Einstein’s early years were marked by curiosity and a deep interest in science and mathematics. Despite his later reputation as a brilliant physicist, young Albert faced difficulties in school. He had a rebellious attitude toward the rigid educational methods of the time and often clashed with his teachers.
In 1884, at the age of five, Einstein received a compass from his father, which sparked his fascination with the natural world. By the age of twelve, he had taught himself Euclidean geometry and developed a keen interest in algebra and calculus.
Secondary Education and Moving to Switzerland
In 1894, the Einstein family moved to Italy due to Hermann’s business difficulties. Albert stayed behind to finish his education at the Luitpold Gymnasium in Munich. However, he grew increasingly unhappy with the authoritarian style of teaching and eventually left the school without a diploma.
Einstein moved to Switzerland in 1895, where he attended the Aarau Cantonal School. The Swiss educational system, which encouraged independent thinking, suited him better. He graduated in 1896 and enrolled at the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, intending to become a physics and mathematics teacher.
Higher Education and Early Career
Einstein’s years at the Polytechnic were formative. He excelled in mathematics and physics but struggled with the rote learning of other subjects. He graduated in 1900 with a teaching diploma but was unable to find a teaching position. During this period, he met Mileva Marić, a fellow student who would later become his first wife.
The Annus Mirabilis: 1905
Einstein’s career took a significant turn in 1905, often referred to as his “Annus Mirabilis” or “Miracle Year.” While working as a patent examiner at the Swiss Patent Office in Bern, he published four groundbreaking papers in the “Annalen der Physik,” each of which had a profound impact on the field of physics.
Key Papers and Contributions
- Photoelectric Effect: In this paper, Einstein proposed that light could be understood as quanta, or discrete packets of energy (later called photons). This work provided key evidence for quantum theory and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.
- Brownian Motion: Einstein’s explanation of Brownian motion provided empirical evidence for the existence of atoms and molecules, thereby supporting the atomic theory of matter.
- Special Theory of Relativity: Perhaps his most famous work, this paper introduced the concept that the laws of physics are the same for all non-accelerating observers and that the speed of light is constant regardless of the observer’s motion. It led to the revolutionary equation E=mc2E = mc^2, which describes the equivalence of mass and energy.
- Mass-Energy Equivalence: In this paper, Einstein elaborated on the relationship between mass and energy, further solidifying his theory of relativity.
Academic Career and Later Work
Teaching Positions and Academic Recognition
Following his “Annus Mirabilis,” Einstein began to receive offers from academic institutions. He held various teaching positions, including at the University of Zurich, the University of Prague, and the Swiss Federal Polytechnic in Zurich. In 1914, he moved to Berlin to join the Prussian Academy of Sciences and took a position at the University of Berlin, where he had more time to focus on research.
General Theory of Relativity
In 1915, Einstein presented the general theory of relativity, an extension of his special theory of relativity that included gravity. This theory proposed that massive objects cause a distortion in space-time, which is felt as gravity. The theory was confirmed during a solar eclipse in 1919, when the bending of starlight by the Sun’s gravity was observed, as predicted by Einstein.
Personal Life
Marriages and Children
Einstein married Mileva Marić in 1903. The couple had two sons, Hans Albert and Eduard. However, their marriage was troubled, and they divorced in 1919. Shortly after, Einstein married Elsa Löwenthal, his cousin, who had two daughters from a previous marriage. Elsa and Albert remained married until her death in 1936.
Political and Social Engagement
Einstein was a committed pacifist and a vocal critic of nationalism and militarism. During the rise of the Nazi regime, he emigrated to the United States in 1933, accepting a position at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey. He became an American citizen in 1940.
Einstein was also an advocate for civil rights, speaking out against racism and segregation in the United States. He was a member of the NAACP and corresponded with W.E.B. Du Bois and other civil rights leaders.
Legacy and Impact
Scientific Contributions
Einstein’s theories have had a lasting impact on modern physics. The theory of relativity fundamentally changed our understanding of space, time, and gravity, influencing fields such as cosmology, quantum mechanics, and particle physics. His equation E=mc2E = mc^2 laid the groundwork for nuclear energy and has had profound implications for both theoretical and applied physics.
Cultural Icon
Einstein’s influence extended beyond science. He became a global cultural icon, known for his eccentric personality, pacifist beliefs, and distinctive appearance. His name and image remain synonymous with genius and creativity.
Awards and Honors
In addition to the Nobel Prize in Physics, Einstein received numerous awards and honors throughout his life, including the Copley Medal, the Max Planck Medal, and membership in various prestigious scientific societies. He was also offered the presidency of Israel in 1952, which he declined.
Death and Posthumous Recognition
Albert Einstein died on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, New Jersey, from an abdominal aortic aneurysm. His brain was preserved for scientific study, and his ashes were scattered at an undisclosed location.
Einstein’s contributions to science and his advocacy for peace and civil rights have left an indelible mark on the world. His work continues to inspire and influence scientists, thinkers, and the general public.
Conclusion
Albert Einstein’s life was marked by relentless curiosity, profound intellect, and a deep commitment to social justice. His theories revolutionized physics, while his humanitarian efforts and advocacy for peace have made him a lasting symbol of intellectual and moral integrity. Einstein’s legacy endures, reminding us of the power of curiosity and the importance of striving for a better, more understanding world.