Einstein wins 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics,
November 9, 1922
Amy Norcross - November 09, 2016
Albert Einstein, born March 14, 1879, in Ulm, Germany, was one of the most well-known and
influential physicists of the 20th century. On November 9, 1922, he was named the winner of the
1921 Nobel Prize in Physics "for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery
of the law of the photoelectric effect."
The photoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which electrons are emitted from the surface of matter
(usually metals) when light shines on it.
Einstein explained the effect by proposing that
light consists of small particles, or quanta,
called photons, which carry energy that is
proportional to the frequency of light. The
electrons in the matter that absorb the energy
of the photon get ejected. He published these
findings in 1905 in the paper "On a Heuristic
Viewpoint Concerning the Production and
Transformation of Light." Einstein's
observations that the photoelectric effect could
be explained only if light behaves like a particle,
not a wave, was instrumental in establishing the
hypothesis that light can behave both like a
wave and a particle.
The photoelectric effect is the basis for photosynthesis. It also forms the basis for a variety of
devices such as photodiodes, which are used in light detection within fiber optics,
telecommunications networks, solar cells, imaging, and many other applications.
An interesting note: Records show the Nobel Prize Awarding Institution, the Royal Swedish Academy
of Sciences, decided to reserve the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921, and therefore awarded no Physics
prize that year. According to the statutes, a reserved prize can be awarded the year after, and Albert
Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for 1921 one year later, in 1922.
Einstein was unable to attend the December 10 Nobel Prize Award Ceremony in Stockholm. He
presented his Nobel speech on July 11, 1923, in Gothenburg.
Einstein died on April 18, 1955, in Princeton, NJ.
Also see:
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Albert Einstein is born, March 14, 1879
Einstein paper outlines E=mc2, November 21, 1905
Einstein’s theory of general relativity is tested, May 29, 1919
Einstein moves to US, October 17, 1933
Einstein’s relatively funny photo
For more moments in tech history, see this blog. EDN strives to be historically accurate with these
postings. Should you see an error, please notify us.
Editor's note: This article was originally posted on November 9, 2012 and edited on November 9,
2016.