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Conclusions Drawn from the Phenomena of Capillarity
Intermolecular forces.[22] The first of two papers in which Einstein proposed the (incorrect) theory that the interactions between all molecules are a universal function of distance, in analogy with the inverse-square force of gravity. Once parameterized, his theory makes reasonably accurate predictions for heavier hydrophobic molecules, but fails for lighter molecules. -
Period: to
Einstein
19 titles and descriptions of Albert Einstein's numerous publications. He publishes atleast 1 paper a year until the year 1955. His Nobel Prize work was at the beginning of his career and I have barely touched the surface of his numerous publications from 1901-1919 -
Kinetic Theory of Thermal Equilibrium and of the Second Law of Thermodynamics
Statistical mechanics.[25] Study of the equipartition theorem and the definitions of temperature and entropy. -
A Theory of the Foundations of Thermodynamics
Statistical mechanics.[26] The problem of irreversibility in thermodynamics. -
On the General Molecular Theory of Heat
Statistical mechanics.[27] Fluctuations and new methods for determining Boltzmann's constant. -
On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies
Special relativity.[30] This seminal paper gave birth to special relativity (SR). In particular, it stated the two postulates of SR (uniform motion is undetectable, and the speed of light is always constant) and its kinematics. -
On the Theory of Light Production and Light Absorption
20, 199–206, link Photons.[34] Einstein reconciles his and Planck's independent derivations of the blackbody formula E=hν. Planck's derivation of this formula ascribed it to a restriction on the energy changes possible when radiation is produced or absorbed by matter, which implied no restriction on the energies of either matter or radiation. Einstein's 1905 derivation ascribed it to a restriction on the energy of radiation alone, but in this paper, he proposes the modern idea that the energies -
Planck's Theory of Radiation and the Theory of Specific Heat
Specific heats.[37] Seminal work applying Planck's law to the oscillations of atoms and molecules in solids. Resolved the 19th-century paradox of the equipartition theorem in classical physics, and introduced the Einstein model of solids, which led to the current Debye model. Showed that the quantum mechanical law E=hν was a general law of physics, and not merely special to blackbody radiation. -
A New Electrostatic Method for the Measurement of Small Quantities of Electricity
216–217 Electromagnetism.[46] Novel experimental method for measuring tiny amounts of charge, by first charging a variable capacitor at low capacitance, then changing it to high capacitance and discharging it to another capacitor. An apparatus for this amplification was constructed by two brothers, Johann Conrad Habicht and Franz Paul Habicht, in collaboration with Einstein and published in Physikalische Zeitschrift, 11, 532 (1910). -
On the Development of Our Views Concerning the Nature and Constitution of Radiation
Photons.[51] Pivotal address before the 81st assembly of the Gesellschaft Deutscher Naturforscher, held in Salzburg, where Einstein showed that photons must carry momentum and should be treated as particles. Notes that electromagnetic radiation must have a dual nature, at once both wave-like and particulate. Also published in the journal Deutsche physikalische Gesellschaft, Verhandlungen, 11, pp. 482–500. -
The Principle of Relativity and Its Consequences in Modern Physics
Special relativity.[55] Translation by E. Guillaume, but does not correspond to reference #21 -
Elementary Observations on Thermal Molecular Motion in Solids
Specific heats.[62] Recognizing that his 1907 model of specific heats is incorrect at very low temperatures, Einstein tries to improve it. -
The Speed of Light and the Statics of the Gravitational Field
General relativity.[67] First of two papers (see next entry for second) in the continuing development of general relativity (see reference #42). These two papers are the last in which Einstein allows time to be warped while keeping space flat (uncurved). In these papers, he realizes that the Lorentz transformations of special relativity must be generalized and that the new theory of gravitation must be non-linear, since gravitational energy can itself gravitate. -
On the Present State of the Problem of Gravitation
General relativity.[80] Address on September 21, 1913 to the 85th Versammlung Deutscher Naturforscher in Vienna. The discussion following Einstein's address is included in this citation. This review was also published in the Gesellschaft deutscher Naturforscher und Ärzte, Verhandlungen, 1914, pp. 3–24. A referat was also published in the journal Himmel und Erde, 26, pp. 90–93. -
Formal Foundations of the General Theory of Relativity
General relativity.[89] An important paper in the development of general relativity. Einstein still has not derived correct field equations, but he derives the geodesic motion of point particles, relates gravitational fields to rotation, and re-derives his 1907 results about the bending of light and gravitational redshift using the new metric tensor theory. -
On the General Theory of Relativity
General relativity.[98] Two of Einstein's four papers in November 1915 that led to the final field equations for general relativity. The first paper corrected a fundamental misconception and allowed Einstein to finish; however, the second introduced a serious mistake -
Emission and Absorption of Radiation in Quantum Theory
Photons.[106] Seminal paper in which Einstein showed that Planck's quantum hypothesis E = hÉÀ could be derived from a kinetic rate equation. This paper introduced the idea of stimulated emission (which led to the laser and maser), and Einstein's A and B coefficients provided a guide for the development of quantum electrodynamics, the most accurately tested theory of physics at present. In this work, Einstein begins to realize that quantum mechanics seems to involve probabilities and a breakdown -
On the Quantum Theorem of Sommerfeld and Epstein
Quantum mechanics.[115] Seminal paper for the Einstein–Brillouin–Keller method, which describes how to convert a classical system into its quantum mechanical analogue -
On Gravitational Waves
General relativity.[125] The first prediction of gravitational waves. Such gravitational radiation has been observed indirectly, for which the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded.