Einstein's Nobel Prize for Photo-Electric Effect

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In summary, Einstein received his Nobel prize for his work on the photo-electric effect instead of his more well-known theories of Special and General Relativity. This is because the Nobel committee values connections to experimental evidence, which the photo-electric effect had, while SR/GR did not. There is speculation that Einstein's involvement with the atomic bomb may have also played a role in the delay of his Nobel prize.
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einsteinian77
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Its a well known fact the Einstein didn't receive his nobel prize for Relativity but instead he got it for his work on the photo-electric effect. Why is this? Is it because Relativity was less creative than photo-electric effect?
 
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  • #2
In my opinion it was due to the direct connection with experiment of the pohoto-electric effect. The Nobel committee then and now is suspicious of theory that doesn't tie to experiment. You will find that many quantum theorist's prizes (Pauli, Born) were delayed a long time until unmistakeable evidence for theose crazy quantum ideas turned up in the labs.
 
  • #3
*** Einstein's Nobel prize:- SR/GR vs. QM ***

Politically Correct Answer:

SR/GR is about basic Mathematics (e.g. Speed = c iff Mass = 0)

and

QM is about Fundamental Physics (e.g. photo-electric effect)...


So, Einstein's Nobel prize is associated with QM, instead of SR/GR.


[?]


kx21
 
  • #4
THe Nobel committee is not allowed to present prizes posthumously, otherwise Al would definitely have received a second prize. It is speculated that his unfavorable (and unfair) attachment to "the bomb" deferred his selection for a few crucial years (the Nobel comittee is still somewhat political). I don't think that there is any direct evidence of his being eschewed.
 

Related to Einstein's Nobel Prize for Photo-Electric Effect

1. What is the Photo-Electric Effect and why is it significant?

The Photo-Electric Effect is the phenomenon where certain materials emit electrons when exposed to light. This discovery was significant as it provided evidence for the particle nature of light and laid the foundation for the development of quantum mechanics.

2. When did Einstein win the Nobel Prize for the Photo-Electric Effect?

Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921 for his explanation of the Photo-Electric Effect.

3. How did Einstein's theory of the Photo-Electric Effect challenge classical physics?

Einstein's theory proposed that light behaves as both a wave and a particle, contrary to the classical view that it only behaved as a wave. This challenged long-held beliefs about the nature of light and led to the development of quantum mechanics.

4. Was Einstein the first person to discover the Photo-Electric Effect?

No, the Photo-Electric Effect was first observed by Heinrich Hertz in 1887. However, Einstein's explanation of the phenomenon and his contributions to the understanding of light earned him the Nobel Prize.

5. How did Einstein's Nobel Prize for the Photo-Electric Effect impact his career?

The Nobel Prize brought Einstein international recognition and solidified his reputation as a groundbreaking scientist. It also allowed him to continue his research and work on his theory of relativity, which would go on to have a significant impact on modern physics.

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