Science | Physics, Chemistry, Biology Online

10 percent of brain myth- 4 facts to prove it wrong

2015-02-01T08:19:00.002-08:00

Recently Hollywood movies like Limitless and Lucy have attracted our attention to the 10 percent brain myth. What exactly is 10 percent brain myth?

As it is a myth, it means it is rumored that a normal human being uses only 10 percent of his brain. That is, a human being has the potential to expand his brain functionality to 9 times more than what he has normally. In these movies, the protagonists by some chance get some drug or capsule which increases their brain capabilities.

But as we know, everything we see in movies is not real. And so is this 10 percent brain myth. The following 5 facts can prove that:

1. Brain Imaging-

Brain imaging or rather neuro imaging techniques like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) and PET (Positron Emission Tomography) helps to detect the brain activity. Non of the techniques have yet detected any unused part of brain except for damaged part. Even during sleep, all parts of the brain show some activity.

2. Localisation of function in brain-

Extensive research on brain has established different parts of the brain to be specialized for some function or the other. But no part has been declared as non active or function-less by any research.

3. Studies related to brain damage- If a part of brain is damaged, there always has been effect of impairment of brain function. Had there been an inactive part in brain, damage of that part would not have result in any impairment of brain which has not occurred till date.

4. Single- unit recording- Neuron is the nerve cell that acts as the basic building block of brain. In neuroscience, single-unit recording method is used to measure the electro- physiological responce of a neuron. A signal is propagated through a neuron as a current. In the above technique, a micro-electrode is inserted into the brain to measure the rate of change of voltage of a neuron with respect to time. In case, the 10 percent brain myth was true, this technique would have detected no voltage change in 90 percent of the neurons in one persons brain. But this has not happened.

Noise Pollution

2012-11-17T23:31:00.000-08:00

An unwanted or unpleasant sound is known as noise. We can sense sound with the help of ears. Sound can be described in terms of its loudness and its pitch (or frequency).Loudness is measured in decibels (dB) and itch is measured in cycles (waves per second). Cycles per second is known as Hertz (Hz). The range of frequency to which human ear is sensitive is 20-20,000Hz.

Today, noise pollution has become one of the major and difficult problems to be handled. Noise pollution is caused by many different pollutants. But these pollutants can be grouped into four categories:

1. Transportation

2. Industry

3. Household

4. Military

Noise pollution is increasing in cities day by day. The main disadvantage of industrialisation is that it has increased pollution to a vast degree. In terms of daily noise, we can give the credit to vehicles on road. They produce so much noise that people get irritated. Home appliances also add to noise pollution. Although most of the appliances are becoming noise free with advanced technology but still they have a considerable amount of contribution.

Noise pollution can increase the sufferings of heart patients, high blood pressure patients and people suffering from insomnia etc. Sudden noises can cause the heart beat increase considerably. Noise interferes with sleep very much. It disturbs very much while concentrating on something. It induces irritability id it is caused during the time of relaxation and leisure.

Potato- Nutrition Facts

2012-11-17T23:02:00.001-08:00

The scientific name of our most popular and widely used vegetable is Solanum Tuberosum.


Potatoes

Potato is rich in Vitamin C and B6. It also contains high amount of minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and copper. Potato is also rich in carbohydrates, fibers and proteins. Its protein contains nine different amino acids. Potato fiber has soluble parts which results in lowering of cholesterol.

Even the skin of potato which we throw away is very useful. Is has been proved that the skin of potato acts as anti oxidants. The skin of potato is able to neutralize the various harmful elements in the body that try to damage human cells.

Dr. Henningsen of University of Lund (Sweden) has found that the potassium content of steamed potato is more than that of boiled potato. During steaming only 3-6% of potassium is lost while during boiling 10-50% of potassium is lost.

Health Benefits of Potato-

Mashed potato is helpful for skin. When a boiled mashed potato is applied to any body part’s skin, it smoothens and improves the color of skin.

The juice of raw potatoes dissolves uric acid and lime. Thus, it cures gout of people. But they must not be allergic to potatoes. As potatoes do not have starch and rich in protein, it helps to cure gastritis. The juice of raw potato is also good for cleaning skin blemishes. It is due to its high sulphur, chlorine, potassium content.

If potatoes are boiled or backed without peeling its skin, then it preserves most of its nutritional contents, otherwise most of its food value is lost.

Potato- Nutrition facts

Facts to be remembered-

Potatoes should not be taken by obese and diabetic people due its high carbohydrate content. Potatoes belong to a botanical family known as “Night shade” vegetables. Plants in this family contain a toxic substance called solanine. If a person is allergic to solanine, then in future more consumption of potatoes may lead to arthritis. Sometimes a portion of potato becomes green. This is due to the fact that the potato contains harmful amount of solanine. That should not be eaten to avoid neurological and digestive disorders.

Benefits of Honey

2012-11-17T07:32:00.001-08:00

“Medicinal vegetation and juices maketh honey. It is like nectar. Honey is like the vital force. Honey is like the cereals. Even Gods taketh honey with great relish.”

- Indian Hindu Scriptures

Honey

In the Bible, honey is considered as a symbol of soft sweetness. Honey is mentioned in Bible for more than sixty times. In the Holy Quran, Sural El Nihal is about honey. In the scripture Budhacharya, Lord Buddha has instructed all his followers to make liberal use of honey in the diet.

The original bardic name of Britain was “Honey Isle of Beli”. Earlier the Britishers were famous beekeepers. South Egypt was known as “the land of bee”.

Chemical Composition of Honey-

Now let us see the chemical composition of honey. It contains about 76% of sugar: 34% of dextrose, 40% of lebulose and 2% of sucrose. The rest 1.5% - 2% is dextrin and gums. Four types of enzymes are also present in honey. Amongst minerals, carbonate of calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium and silicate are present. Dark honey has iron, copper and manganese in a greater amount than other lighter varieties. Honey consists of all minerals and vitamins in correct proportion as required by the body.

Benefits of Honey

Health Benefits of Honey-

Honey has moisture absorbing capability because of the presence of potassium salts in it. So, when honey comes in contact with bacteria, it absorbs all the moisture from them and subsequently the bacteria dies. Thus, it works like a disinfectant.

Honey helps in decreasing blood pressure, as it increases the blood flow to the heart and also draws excess fluid from the blood stream. Honey also helps in reducing weight. For reducing weight, it must be taken on empty stomach early in the morning. For simple throat problems, honey must be taken with a teaspoon of ginger juice for relief.

Asthma patients are always advised to take two teaspoons of honey in a glass of boiling water. Honey is good arthritis, rheumatic and gout cases also.

The most interesting use of honey is as face pack. When a face pack consisting of honey with rose water, gram flour is applied and washed away after 15-20 minutes, then it brightens the face.

In our daily diet, there must be two teaspoons of honey involved to be blessed with its so many helpful uses.

What is Pollution?

2012-10-24T00:21:00.002-07:00

Definition of Pollution

The introduction of contaminants into the environment is called Pollution. It results in negative effects in the environment which makes lives of human beings and other living organisms a bit difficult.
In earlier days, pollution in the environment was much lesser than what it is today. Day by day, pollution is increasing due to increased human activities. Pollution can be caused by natural disasters too.

Different Types of Pollution

There are four different types of pollution:

1. Air Pollution

2. Water Pollution

3. Soil Pollution
4. Noise Pollution

1. What is Air Pollution?

Air Pollution is the introduction of contaminants like dust articles, carbon monoxide, etc. which imbalances the natural composition of air in the atmosphere and creates harmful effects on living beings.

List of Pollutants

1. Carbon Dioxide

2. Carbon monoxide

3. Methane

4. CFC (Chloro Flouro Carbon)

5. Dust Particles

6. Sulphur Dioxide

Causes of Air Pollution

Air Pollution is caused due to various reasons:

1. Smoking cigarettes

2. Emissions coming out of motor vehicles

3. Combustion of coal and wood

4. Emissions from factories

5. Paint fumes and aerosol sprays

6. Wildfire

7. Volcanic eruptions

Effects of Air Pollution

Air Pollution has many adverse effects on the environment as well as on living organisms.

1. Formation of smog

2. Global warming due to excess green house gases like carbon dioxide, methane, etc.

3. Deterioration of ozone layer

4. Respiratory problems and headache

5. Acid rain

6. Eye and throat irritation

2. What is Water Pollution?

The introduction of contaminants in water bodies like lakes, rivers, ground water, oceans, etc. is known as water pollution.

Causes of Water Pollution

1. Emissions from factories and refineries

2. Human sewage

3. Animal waste

4. Oil spill from ships in rivers and oceans

5. Use of fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides in agriculture

Effects of Water Pollution

1. Diseases like typhoid, cholera, etc.

2. Ailments of kidneys and hearts

3. Accumulation of chemicals like lead and cadmium in food chain

4. Aquatic ecosystem is worst affected by water pollution

3. What is Soil Pollution?

Soil Pollution is the contamination of soil due to harmful and toxic materials which are disposed of by living organisms and other natural disasters

Causes of Soil Pollution

1. Deforestation

2. Human sewage

3. Use of fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides

4. Disposal of waste materials from factories, reffineries and power plants

Effects of Soil Pollution

1. Decrease in soil fertility

2. Harmful effect on ground water

3. Loss of nutrients present in soil

4. Increase in salinity of soil

4. What is Noise Pollution?

Noise Pollution is any unwanted sound that displeases the ear and disrupts normal activities of human being or animals.

Sound is measured in terms of decibels.

dB Sound

0 Threshold of hearing

10 Rustling of leaves

60 Conversation

74 Light traffic noise

100 Symphony orchestra

120 Aircraft takeoff

Causes of Noise Pollution

1. Noise from vehicles on road like buses, trucks, bikes etc.

2. Noise from aircraft

3. Noise emanating from industries

4. Noise from home appliances like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, chimneys, etc.

5. Noise from construction equipment like those used in road construction or building construction etc.

Effects of Noise Pollution

1. It causes sleeping disturbance and long exposure to high intensity of noise pollution may cause insomnia.

2. It causes decrease in concentration of human being.

3. It may cause hearing impairment.

4. It causes very deep impact on people having cardiovascular problems. Noise pollution causes rise in heart

beat rate and in turn blood pressure.

5. Excessive noise may cause headache, anxiety and other similar problems.

Seven Wonders of The Ancient World

2012-03-19T05:56:00.000-07:00

The seven wonders of the ancient world are different from the wonders of the medieval and modern world. Most of them have been destroyed by some natural calamity.

1. Great Pyramid of Giza

Situated in Egypt, Pyramids of Giza were built around 2560 BC. It is the tomb of Pharoah Khufu. Its height is about 480 ft (i.e. 146 m). It is made up of mostly limestone.

2. Hanging Gardens of Babylon

Hanging Gardens were situated in Iraq. It was built around 600 BC. Its height was about 80 ft (24 m). It was made up of mud brick waterproofed with lead. But these were destroyed by several earthquakes around second century BC.

3. Statue of Zeus at Olympia

Statue of Zeus was situated in Greece. It was built around 432 BC. Its height was about 40 ft (12 m). It was made up of ivory and gold plated plates on wooden frame. It was destroyed in 5^th century BC due to fire.

4. Temple of Artemis at Ephesus

Temple of Artemis was situated in Turkey. It was built around 323 BC. Goddess Artemis was worshipped here. Its length was 425 ft (129 m). It was built up of marble. It was destroyed by Goths in 262 AD.

5. Mausoleum of Maussollos at Halicarnassus

Mausoleum of Maussollos was built between 353 and 350 BC. The structure was designed by two Greek architects Satyros and Pythis. Its height is about 148 ft (45 m).

6. Colossus of Rhodes

Colossus of Rhodes is the statue of Greek God Helios. It was built between 292 and 280 BC. This statue was 107 ft high. It was a symbol of Rhodes victory over the ruler of Cyprus.

7. Lighthouse of Alexandria

It is also known as Pharos of Alexandria. This was built between 280 and 247 BC in Egypt. Its main purpose was to guide sailors into the harbor at the time of night as a normal lighthouse does. Its height is estimated to be between 393 and 450 ft.

Benefits of Fasting

2012-03-18T07:09:00.001-07:00

We do fasting in our life for various purposes. But we don't know exactly the use and different kinds of fasting. In this article you would come to know about that.

In the Anushasan Chapter of the famous epic Mahabharata, it is written: “Whosoever fasts is blessed in every way!He draws the benefit of all the great medicines. All his diseases are cured and he becomes strong and virile”.

Fasting is indeed a natural method to live healthily. Also, it is a natural way to cure many diseases. Actually the basic cause of our diseases is the accumulation of toxic matters in the digestive system. So, we have to regularly cleanse our digestive system in order to avoid diseases. By fasting, we in a way, overhaul our complete system. All the mechanisms of the body which do produce necessary blood, flesh, body juices, bones etc. are cleansed through fasting. During fasting a part of the body energy which earlier was used for some nutritional purposes is now used for cleansing and intoxication purpose.

On the day of fasting, one should not do all the daily works. One must have to have complete rest. Talking should be reduced considerably. Otherwise, most of the part of energy which was to be used for cleansing purpose is used up in talking only. Now the question comes, “how can we determine that our purpose of fasting has been fulfilled”?

The answer to this question is: “Fasting cannot be considered completely effective till your tongue becomes clear, appetite normal and body agile”. If you think these conditions are not satisfied, then you can increase your period of fasting, provided that your health permits. A person who has not done fasting even once in his/her life will face a bit of difficulty for the first time or may be the second time too. But after that, the body as well as the mind will get habituated to behave normally during fasting.

Now comes the different types of fasting. Fasting can be done in many different ways. They can be categorized in mainly the following groups:

1. Complete Fast: In complete fast, every two hour a glass of water and every next hour warm water together with some lemon juice is taken. The main purpose of taking lemon juice in warm water is to prevent gas formation. If one needs some energy during this period, then a spoon of honey may also be taken with lemon juice in ordinary water also. Water of a tender coconut may also be taken during this fasting.

2. Milk-Banana diet: In his kind of fast, one cup of skimmed milk and a banana is taken alternatively three to four times a day. Added to that honey and lemon juice and lemon juice in warm water may also be taken.

3. Fruit diet: In this kind of fast, a person lives only on fruit and fruit juices. Again, in this fast, water and lemon juice in water can be continued. But his fast must not exceed 6-7 days; otherwise the body will become deficient of essential enzymes and amino acids.

4. Fruit and Vegetable diet: In such a diet, lightly boiled or steamed vegetables can also be taken besides fruits. But the use of salt must be avoided. This fast can also not exceed more than 6-7 days at a stretch.

5. Traditional Fast: In this kind of fast, a light meal is taken only once a day. This meal may contain a little of salt, sugar and fat. But one does not take any fruit, vegetables, tea, juices besides that meal. Ordinary water or lemon juice in warm water may be taken alternatively. This kind of fast is traditionally kept on full moon day or on the first day of the solar month.
In the first four kinds, no fat, salt or sugar is taken. Thus, the burden on the digestive system lessens and it gets sufficient time for cleansing operation.

One thing must be kept in mind that during fasting ordinary excretion of faeces, urine and sweat must continue otherwise the toxic materials will again get absorbed in the blood.

Effects of stress

2012-03-18T07:06:00.001-07:00

A rise or drop in the ambient temperature, hunger or thirst, loss of blood or physical exertion, infection or trauma all causes certain changes in the organism that are combined in the concept –“state of stress”.

A series of stereotypical adaptational reactions aimed at the protection originates in the latter in response to any change in the conditions which demands an increase in the efficiency of the organism. A rise or drop in the ambient temperature, hunger or thirst, loss of blood or physical exertion, infection or trauma all causes certain changes in the organism that are combined in the concept –“state of stress”

It seems that the organism in this case is not interested in the specific features of each stress factor but reacts to the damaging factor as a whole. The stress reaction is especially advantageous for an organism because it is stereotypical, i.e. the organism can immediately start to protect itself using one stereotypical reaction in response to a variety of extraordinary stimuli or stress factors. The adaptation reaction is the most vigilant guard of the organism because it always switches on automatically without the involvement of the consciousness and only under the influences of unconditioned reflexes, pain or a change in the composition of the internal environment ( for instance , in case of hemorrhage, a decrease in the blood sugar concentration due to starvation etc.).

If we discuss the classical example of a fight between a cat and a dog from the physiological point of view the dog cad cat even at distance, send signals to the central nervous system informing that the enemy is near. There will possibility be a fight and it is necessary to prepare for it. The situation is evaluated by the cerebral cortex, but it has an emotional character. All these activity requires a supply of energy and Adrenaline both sources of energy- Fatty acids from the fat depot and glucose from the liver – thereby increasing the nutritional supply of the muscular tissue and brain. These responses are taken together e.g. dilation of the skin vessels, hair standing on end, that reduces heat transfer, increases fatty acids and glucose level in the blood, and light trembling contribute to rise in body temperature, thereby creating temperature for chemical reaction. Finally adrenaline sharply increases the ability of the heart to assimilate oxygen Stress which eliminates everything extra, also suppresses the appetite. The hypothalamic appetite is also inhibited during emotional excitement just like the activity of the digestive system.

Finally the fight required a great amount of energy comes to an end. The phase of recovery comes to an end. The hypothalamus enhances heat transfer via the thermoregulatory centre. The skin vessels dilate. Perspiration increases, and dog which have no sweat glands their nearly fall out to increase evaporation.

For human being all the changes that takes place during the stress, for instance, the content of cholesterol in the blood, which is one of the main factors in the development of arthrosclerosis, increases in students when they are taking part in the examination. But life makes it necessary to pass the examination not only within the walls of Alma matter but also outside it.

Why is the Sky Blue ?

2012-02-26T08:18:00.001-08:00

Why is the sky blue? This is a very common question that comes in mind very often. As we know light consists of seven colors having different wavelengths. These seven colors are: Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red. Amongst these seven colors of light, red has the longest wavelength and violet has the shortest wavelength.

During daytime, light from sun travels through atmosphere and reaches the surface of earth. While its journey to the surface of the earth, it encounters the molecules of air, water vapor, dust particles and many other suspended particles. As it strikes any of these particles the components of light containing higher wavelengths like red and orange passes through them directly without any deviation while the components of light comprising of shorter wavelengths like blue and violet gets scattered. Thus, the scattering of blue light makes the sky appear blue.

However during sunset and sunrise the sky looks red. This is due to the fact that the sunlight has to travel relatively a longer distance during sunrise and sunset to reach the surface of earth. The blue light mostly scatters away in the upper layers of the atmosphere and the red and orange light get scattered near lower layers of the atmosphere near the surface of the earth.

Why do People Smoke ?

2012-02-24T06:59:00.001-08:00

There are many reasons why people smoke and are not able to quit. They are explained here.

Smoking is injurious to health

   1. Peer Pressure: In case of teenagers (especially of early teens),    they start smoking out of curiosity. They see their elders, their parents etc. to smoke and then they smoke for the first time to see what happens after smoking. They think that later on they will not continue but they fail to do so.

   2. Confidence: Some people say that smoking increases their confidence and they are able to face some difficult situations easily. If they do not smoke, then they feel inferior to others.

   3. Social Smoking: Social smoking occurs in parties when people start their conversation by offering a cigarette or a lighter. People often think this is a good way to start a conversation and reflects the high status of a person.

   4. Bored: People often do something to engage themselves when they have nothing to do. Some start biting their nails and some start smoking. In this case, people do not have the urge to smoke but they smoke to kill their time when they are alone.

“Cigarette smoking is injurious to health”. We all know this. We all read this on a packet of cigarette. Still we do smoke. But the question is, after knowing all this, “*Why do people smoke*”.

Great Health Benefits of Green Tea

2012-02-24T06:54:00.001-08:00

Knowing the health benefits of green tea, today people are getting more inclined towards it.
Drinking green tea has brings great benefits to health. Today people are getting more interested in it when it comes to health consciousness. Some key benefits are listed below:

Green Tea

1. Green tea contains EpigalloCatechin Gallate (EGCG) which is a strong anti-oxidant. This ingredient helps to fight cancer.

2. It contains vitamin C and E. Due to the antioxidant property of these vitamins, it helps in fighting the signs of aging like wrinkles.

3. The anti-oxidants of green tea acts as dilator. Also, they help in improving the flexibility of blood vessels which in turn inhibits clogging inside it. Thus, green tea improves heart health.

4. It helps in reducing or losing weight. As green tea increases the metabolic rate of the body, it accelerates weight loss. So, for people who are troubled with obesity or want to loss some weight without dieting,
include green tea in your diet.

5. It has an amazing benefit of preventing the skin from the damage caused by ultra violet radiation.

6. It helps in avoiding tooth erosion. Also, it helps to have healthy gums by preventing periodontal diseases.

7. It also helps to maintain your brain power as you grow old.

8. It contains less caffeine as compared to coffee. So, it helps to stay active but as it contains lesser amount, it does not harm the body as coffee.

9. It helps to rectify and improve the immune system. It helps to fight against infections.

10. It contains theophylline which helps muscles surrounding bronchial tubes to relax. This it helps patients of asthma in breathing easily.

If you know some more *benefits of green tea*, then you can also contribute
by giving comments.

How do you get Hiccups ?

2012-02-12T02:28:00.000-08:00

Hiccups are scientifically known as Synchronous Diaphragmatic Flutters (SDFs). They are quite annoying whose reasons most of the people don't know. They start suddenly and are very difficult to stop sometimes.

What are hiccups?

Hiccups are involuntary contractions of the diaphragm. Diaphragm is the muscle which divides the chest from the stomach and helps in getting air in and out of the lungs by pumping. These spasms causes interruption in normal breathing. Hiccups are reflex actions which starts in order to protect the body.

How do you get hiccups?

There are many reasons as to why we get hiccups. Most of the times it is caused by eating some hot food or drink. Another very common reason is trapped air near the diaphragm. The second one is caused mainly due to eating or drinking quickly.

How to get rid of hiccups?

Hiccups can be cured by trying out many things one be one. Firstly try to drink some water. If this doesn't work try to stop you breathe as long as comfortable for you. Another option is to breathe while your mouth and nose are cupped with your hands so that you breath in carbon dioxide for a few times. Sudden shock or fright may also stop hiccups but if it persists consult a Doctor.

How does salt melt ice?

2012-01-28T08:22:00.000-08:00

When salt is spread over ice or snow, it starts melting. This property is used in countries where snowfall blocks the road and sideways. After snowfall, salt is spread over the snow or ice to melt it and clear the roads.

The freezing point of ice is 0 degree Celsius (32 degree Fahrenheit). Salt is chemically known as Sodium Chloride (NaCl). It basically acts as an impurity when spread over ice which lowers its freezing point. Thus the ice starts melting even at 0 degree Celsius. This is known as 'Freezing point depression'. Freezing point depression is a colligative property of water. It means that it depends on the number of particles in a substance. In this case, the more number of particles of salt is added, the more the freezing point of ice will lower.
There are many other things that can melt ice like calcium chloride. But sodium chloride is generally used as it is easily found and is much cheaper. Sodium Chloride (common salt) gives two ions Na+ and Cl-. The more number of ions per molecule a compound can produce the more it can lower the freezing point of ice. For example, calcium chloride can produce three ions i.e., 1 calcium ion and two chloride ions. Thus it has the capability to decrease the freezing point of ice more than common salt.

What is a Galaxy?

2011-12-26T00:23:00.001-08:00

General view of the people regarding the galaxy is a mystery, as to where is its end where its beginning is.

The universe in fact comprises of billions and billions of stars. And these stars are not distributed uniformly in the space. These stars do not occur in isolation as well. They are present in huge cluster, each clusters having billions and billions of stars. These clusters of stars are called galaxy.

A Galaxy in fact is collection of billions of stars along with dust and hydrogen gas, separated in space from similar systems. These galaxies are the major building blocks of the universe. In a galaxy the vast collection of stars are held together by a strong gravitational attraction. There are about 100 billion (1011) galaxies in the universe. With a galaxy comprising of 100 billion stars again. Thus there are approximately 1022 stars in the universe. We can’t see all the galaxies even with help of most powerful telescope. Only the nearest galaxies can be seen. The two important galaxies in the universe are:

1. Milky Way

2. Andromeda

The sun and its family of planets belong to Milky Way galaxy. The Indian name of Milky Way is Akash Ganga. If you watch the sky in a moonless and cloudless night you will come across a huge strip of faintly glowing white light stretching across the sky from north to south. This huge strip has billions and billions of stars and our sun also belongs to this strip. The milky way which is our galaxy, is spiral type and not uniformly straight.

The Andromeda galaxy was discovered by Persian astronomers. It is said that it is the biggest one amongst other local galaxies. It is located in Andromeda Constellation.

Why did Einstein win the Nobel Prize?

2011-10-29T17:05:00.001-07:00

Einstein did receive the Nobel Prize for the discovery of "the law of photoelectric effect" in the field of Physics. In the year 1921 the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences-the institution which awards the Nobel Prize decided not to give away the prize for Physics in the year 1921. They honored Albert Einstein with this prize in the year 1922 for his work on the law of photoelectric effect.

Nobel Prize Award Ceremony

Albert Einstein was not able to attend the grand award ceremony as he used to reside in a remote are far away from Sweden. The award was announced on 9th of November in 1922 and the ceremony was held on 10th of December in the same year.

Photoelectric effect

According to Einstein, light consisted of small quanta called photons. These photons carry energy whose frequency is proportional to the frequency of light. When these photons strike a material surface i.e., when light falls on the surface, electrons get emitted from that surface. This is due to the fact that when photons strike the surface the energy gets transferred to the electrons present there. When the electrons absorb these energies, they get ejected. This is the famous law of photoelectric effect.