Ernst mach 01

Ernst Mach (February 18, 1838 - February 19, 1916)

By Vsilvia

  • Biography

    Ernst Mach was born on February 18, 1838 in Chirlitz-Turas, Moravia. Later on in life, Mach moved to Untersiebenbrunn, Austria. Where he eventually went on to study mathematics and physics at University of Vienna.

  • Contribution to science- The Doppler Theory

    Contribution to science- The Doppler Theory
    One of Mach's contributions was the "Doppler effect" which refers to the change of wave frequency during motion. Christian Doppler an Austrian physicist developed this theory based on the speed of frequency. This influenced Mach to look into this theory. He justified this theory by constructing a tool using a tube and a whistle.
    Pojman, Paul. “Ernst Mach.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 3 Mar. 2019, plato.stanford.edu/entries/ernst-mach/.

  • Contribution to Science- The Doppler Theory

    Contribution to Science- The Doppler Theory
    Mach justified this theory by constructing a simple tool using a tube and a whistle attached. This was to show the changes in pitches when the whistle moved. Mach went on to report that the frequency did change depended on speed. It is documented that Mach tested this theory further by utilizing two trolly cars and another whistle. One trolly had a whistle while the other had the observer, test two had the observer stationary. This resulted in the frequency being less than the first.

  • Contribution to Science- The Mach Bands

    Contribution to Science- The Mach Bands
    Another contribution that mach was able to help discover was lateral inhibition in our senses among retinal neurons. Essentially this was how are eyes view illusions and why. Mach was able to report that dark and light bars in a luminance trapezoid were caused by merely an illusion.
    Pojman, Paul. “Ernst Mach.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, Stanford University, 3 Mar. 2019, plato.stanford.edu/entries/ernst-mach/.

  • Contribution to Science- Sensation of movement

    Contribution to Science- Sensation of movement
    A third contribution to science was the theory of sensation of movement. Ernst Mach went on to invent a chair that rotated. Using this tool he was able to discover that balance was controlled by the brain after receiving signals through the semicircular canals of the inner ear.