Jonathan Hayman and The Great Physicists of the Past

With only a short time behind us in the 21st century, it is nearly impossible to say who in the world of physics will have had the impact of some of the 20th century’s true greats. Some, doubtlessly, have yet to enter the field. To measure a real impact on any scientific field, the observer needs time and reflection to determine the real influence of any discovery or any body of work. A physicist like Jonathan Hayman or even Stephen Hawking can be admired, but questions abound as to how their work will be viewed through the clearer lens of history. Here is a look at some of last century’s physicists who have already stood the test of time.

Albert Einstein

No discussion of 20th century physics is complete without a mention of the man, perhaps one of the most brilliant scientists who ever lived. A sober look at his contributions cannot help but bring the question of where the field would be were it not for his reach. His moniker as the father of modern physics is certainly no misnomer. Though perhaps best known for his relativity theory, he also made invaluable contributions to the ideas behind atomic energy, thermodynamics, and cosmology.

Max Planck

Had he done nothing else with his career, German physicist Max Planck would be indelibly etched into the annals of scientific history with his work and discovery in the field of quantum physics. A field that is not widely understood even among the most brilliant of today’s scientists, Planck was the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918. It should also be noted that his career and life was somewhat interrupted not only by the rise of Hitler and the advent of the Second World War, but by a series of personal tragedies that distracted him from his work. One can only hope that current physicists like Jonathan Hayman and Jorge Hirsch can avoid the tragedies that tend to slow any promising career.

Erwin Schrodinger

Another Nobel Prize winner, Erwin Schrodinger was an Austrian physicist who many have termed one of the founders of quantum mechanics. He is perhaps best known in the science world for his complex thought experiment known as Schrodinger’s Cat. Though the experiment is too intricate for reproduction here, it was designed as a paradox, in part to discredit the Copenhagen explanation of quantum physics. Throughout the intervening years it has been used and abused in various forms of pop culture, much of which was fictionally designed around a world of quantum physics and science to begin with.