Published 15:55 IST, November 9th 2020

Albert Einstein won Nobel Prize for Physics on this day in 1921; read details

On this day in 1921, German physicist Albert Einstein was named the winner of the Nobel Prize for Physics for his explanation of Photoelectric effect.

World News
2 min read

Follow:

null | Image: self

On this day, vember 9 in 1921, German-born oretical physicist Albert Einstein was named winner of bel Prize for Physics for his explanation of photoelectric effect. Much to people surprise, scientists never received prize for his iconic ory of relativity but got it for photoelectric effect, which introduced ‘photons’ to researchers. An interesting twist to tale came when Einstein, who was lecturing across Japan, did t show up at function to collect prize.

What is Photoelectric effect?

photoelectric effect refers to emission, or ejection, of electrons from surface of, generally, a metal in response to incident light. Einstein published had published his work n effect back in March 1905.

Why did he t receive it for ory of Relativity?

Einstein’s ory of relativity came in 1915, a time when Germany was battling allied forces in First World War. With anti-Semitism on rise, Einstein, who was both a Jew and pacifist, became obvious target. In addendum, complexity of his ory gave critics a chance to blatantly deunce it.

situation reached a crisis point in 1921 when paralyzed by indecision, bel Committee decided it was better t to award a prize at all than to give it to relativity. arguments rd for ar year until a compromise was reached and Einstein was awarded for his services to oretical Physics, and especially for his discovery of law of photoelectric effect.

Read: bel Prize In Physics 2020 To Be Anunced Today: Remembering 1921 Winner Albert Einstein

Read: Unseen Pic Of Day: Rabindranath Tagore In A Rare Picture With Albert Einstein

What does bel Prize Committee say?

“During selection process, bel Committee for Physics decided that ne of year's minations met criteria as outlined in will of Alfred bel. According to bel Foundation's statutes, bel Prize can in such a case be reserved until following year, and this statute was n applied. Albert Einstein, refore, received his bel Prize for 1921 one year later, in 1922, bel Prize wrote on its official website.