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Ernst Mach (February 18, 1838 – February 19, 1916)
One of Mach's significant scientific contributions was related to the newly found 'Doppler theory'. Christian Doppler discovered in 1841 that the frequency of sound changes as the source moves closer to or farther from an observer. He extended this finding to all wave phenomena, including light, by 1845. Petzval and Ångström, two well-known physicists, challenged Doppler's theory. Mach designed a straightforward device that proved the reality of the Doppler effect, at least for sound. -
Optical illusions
Mach discovered lateral inhibition in our sense organs. He found that optical illusions occur due to contrast perception and our brains tend to over-process at boundaries and under-process when there is constancy. -
Super Sonic effect
Mach is linked to the speed of sound, and Mach 1 is the speed of sound in a specific medium. Mach studied bullet wounds that resembled craters, leading to his discovery of supersonic motion and high-speed photography. He created the Mach Number, which is the ratio of an object's speed to the speed of sound in a given medium. His work is crucial in modern aerodynamics and has made "Mach" a popular cultural reference. -
Sensation
Perception is relational and constructed, according to Mach's insight. Von Ehrenfels used this idea as the basis for Gestalt Theory. Mach argued that sensations result from the interaction between experience and cognitive structure. For example, we recognize a familiar melody despite different keys or instruments. The melody exists in our ability to recognize it, formed by experience. This process is fundamental to all perception and evolutionary processes. -
cites
Works Cited
"Ernst Mach (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)." Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, plato.stanford.edu/entries/ernst-mach/.