Albert Einstein is one of the most recognisable faces and minds in science. In fact, when we hear the word “genius,” he is the first person that comes to mind. Einstein’s contributions are often seen and felt on a grand scale, with his Theory of Relativity changing the way we view space.
While Einstein’s contributions to science are substantial to that field, others might feel that they are too grand to be felt on a smaller scale, such as in our everyday lives. Sometimes, the problem with critically acclaimed people and their ideas is that there might be no practical applications to their ideas. Still, you’d be surprised to know that Albert Einstein’s contributions transcend the academic field.
Different applications and equipment have been made through innovations in science and the sheer brilliance of Einstein’s ideas. What started out as simple ideas or theories are now being enjoyed daily. Are you curious about what Albert Einstein’s contributions to everyday life are? Read the article to find out.
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Albert Einstein’s Core Ideas
Before we dive deeply into Albert Einstein’s contributions that we use every day, let us first discuss what his central ideas are. To get a full grasp of the inner workings of Einstein’s mind, we need to explore the concepts that made him famous.
Known as one of the greatest minds of all time, Einstein formulated ideas that are still being utilised in the field of science to this day, and these central ideas are:
- General Theory of Relativity
Albert Einstein expanded on Isaac Newton’s law of gravity by considering mass. The previous belief was gravity was an invisible force pulling different bodies regardless of their size. Still, through his General Theory of Relativity, Einstein proved that massive bodies in space tend to warp the space, creating a higher gravitational pull, like in blackholes.
- Special Theory of Relativity
This particular theory of Einstein deals with how we perceive things and how they can be different depending on where we are and how fast we are going relative to how fast the other object is moving. This idea strengthens the thought about perception and the belief that nothing can indeed be alike because we perceive things differently.
- Bose-Einstein Condensate
The Bose-Einstein Condensate is Albert Einstein’s foray into chemistry. Together with the Indian physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, they have theorised that molecules or atoms with identical particles can be fused together given the right factors. This theory was proven correct in 1995 when certain atoms were cooled down to almost zero temperature, causing them to appear as a single atom.
- Wave-Particle Duality Theory
There has been a debate about whether light is a particle or a wave for a long time. Some scientists like René Descartes claim that light is more similar to a wave, while others like Isaac Newton posited that light is like a particle in that it travels in a straight line and can be refracted. Einstein aimed to provide a conclusive theory on the topic of light by saying that light is both a wave and a particle.
Furthermore, this theory dictates that particles have wave-like properties, and waves have particle-like properties, so claiming that light is either might be wrong.
- Photoelectric Effect
Einstein’s Photoelectric Effect raises the idea of metallic surfaces releasing electrons when they are hit by light. The particles produced by this reaction are what Einstein calls “Photoelectrons.” This idea has created many practical applications, including one we will discuss later.
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Albert Einstein’s Contributions That We Use Everyday
Now that we’ve covered some of the central ideas Albert Einstein helped champion let us discuss the effects these ideas had and the different items they helped build. Some people believe that the true testament to how effective an idea is is if it can be applied daily, and these are Albert Einstein’s ideas that do just that:
- Solar Power
Albert Einstein helped kickstart the usage of solar power due to his Photoelectric Effect idea. These days, solar power has become pretty standard that we even find them installed in some houses.
What started out as an idea about metallic surfaces producing electrons when interacting with a strong light source has become a full-blown piece of equipment we enjoy daily.
- Laser Pointers
Whether for academic matters or just for fun, laser pointers have been a staple item for most. Laser pointers help us point at unreachable places, which proves to be useful for instructors and can provide entertainment for some.
The idea behind this device is championed by Albert Einstein, and it works under the principle that the photons produced by the device, which travels in a singular path, have a focused light which we can then use.
- Stock Market Fluctuations
Using the random nature of matter as an example, Einstein laid the foundations for what was to become the primary idea used behind stock market predictions. More specifically, the idea that inspired stock market experts was that of the Fluctuation-dissipation theorem of Einstein, where the atoms would be driven into random directions by the much stronger side.
When applied to the seemingly random nature of stock markets, the fluctuation-dissipation theorem can allow analysts to determine which company has the more substantial potential by how random their stocks fluctuate.
- GPS Technology
Another one of Einstein’s contributions to everyday life people don’t seem to realise is the idea behind GPS technology. Satellites work under the premise of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity in that the time it takes for the satellites to relay the data to us is ahead by 38,000 nanoseconds.
The reason satellites are slightly ahead in sending data is that time is relative. Various factors like the planet’s curvature and the speed of light are considered to produce an accurate device such as the GPS.
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Conclusion
Science is not stuck on an unreachable ivory tower inaccessible by ordinary everyday people like us. The main goal of science is to make life easier, even if it takes a long time. This sentiment rings more true with Albert Einstein and his theories and ideas. While it took a long time to bring these ideas into life, they have made considerable impacts on our everyday lives.
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