Biography of Famous Scientist Ernst Mach
Ernst Mach: Physicist and Philosopher of Science
Early Life:
Ernst Waldfried Josef Wenzel Mach was born on February 18, 1838, in Brno, which was then part of the Austrian Empire (now in the Czech Republic). He came from a middle-class family, and his father, Johann Mach, was a secondary school teacher. Ernst Mach’s early education was influenced by his father, who introduced him to a wide range of scientific and philosophical ideas.
Education:
Ernst Mach attended the University of Vienna, where he studied physics and mathematics. He completed his doctorate in physics in 1860 with a dissertation on electrical spark discharges. Mach’s early research focused on the physics of shock waves and the behavior of supersonic projectiles.
Early Career:
After completing his education, Mach worked as a professor at the University of Graz in Austria. During this time, he made significant contributions to the understanding of the behavior of fluids, especially in the study of shock waves. His work laid the groundwork for the field of fluid dynamics.
Mach Number and Mach Bands:
Ernst Mach’s name is famously associated with the concept of the “Mach number,” which is a dimensionless unit used to represent the speed of an object moving through a fluid, especially air. He also conducted research on visual perception, and “Mach bands” describe the optical illusion of exaggerated brightness differences at the edges of a visual stimulus.
Philosophy of Science:
In addition to his contributions to physics, Mach was deeply interested in philosophy, particularly the philosophy of science. He developed a philosophical position known as “Machism” or “Mach positivism.” According to Machism, scientific theories should only include observable entities and phenomena, rejecting the existence of unobservable entities that cannot be directly experienced.
Influence on Einstein:
Ernst Mach had a significant impact on the young Albert Einstein. Einstein later credited Mach’s ideas as influencing his development of the theory of relativity. Mach’s emphasis on the relational nature of space and time, as well as his rejection of absolute space and time, influenced Einstein’s thinking.
Later Career and Honors:
Mach returned to the University of Vienna in 1895, where he continued his research and philosophical writings. He received numerous honors for his contributions to science, including being elected as a corresponding member of the Royal Society in London.
Death and Legacy:
Ernst Mach died on February 19, 1916, in Munich, Germany. His legacy extends beyond his specific contributions to physics and philosophy. The “Mach number” remains a fundamental concept in fluid dynamics and aviation. Additionally, his ideas in the philosophy of science influenced the development of logical positivism in the 20th century. Mach’s interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on the empirical basis of scientific knowledge have left a lasting impact on the philosophy of science and the understanding of physical phenomena.