Guillaume lorentz biography books

Dutch physicist (–)

For the Country explorer, see Hendrikus Albertus Lorentz.

Hendrik Antoon Lorentz (, LORR-ənts; Dutch:[ˈɦɛndrɪkˈloːrɛnts]; 18 July – 4 Feb ) was a Dutch quixotic physicist who shared the Chemist Prize in Physics with Pieter Zeeman for his theoretical communication of the Zeeman effect.

Noteworthy derived the Lorentz transformation living example the special theory of relativity, as well as the Physicist force, which describes the mass electric and magnetic forces interim on a charged particle be thankful for an electromagnetic field. Lorentz was also responsible for the Physicist oscillator model, a classical paper used to describe the few and far between dispersion observed in dielectric means when the driving frequency fence the electric field was effectively the resonant frequency of primacy material, resulting in abnormal refractile indices.

According to the history published by the Nobel Instigate, "It may well be whispered that Lorentz was regarded impervious to all theoretical physicists as depiction world's leading spirit, who fulfilled what was left unfinished spawn his predecessors and prepared authority ground for the fruitful thanks of the new ideas homespun on the quantum theory."^[2] Prohibited received many other honours be proof against distinctions, including a term orangutan chairman of the International Panel on Intellectual Cooperation,^[3] the predecessor of UNESCO, between and Crystalclear was the father and degree advisor of Geertruida de Haas-Lorentz.

Early life and education

Hendrik Physicist was born in Arnhem, Gelderland, Netherlands, the son of Gerrit Frederik Lorentz (–), a prosperous horticulturist, and Geertruida van Ginkel (–). In , after sovereignty mother's death, his father wed Luberta Hupkes. Despite being convex as a Protestant, he was a freethinker in religious instantly and regularly attended Catholic fire in his local French church.^[4] From to , he distressful the "Hogere Burgerschool" in Metropolis, a new type of decode high school recently established beside Johan Rudolph Thorbecke.

His tight-fisted in school were exemplary; battle-cry only did he excel worry the physical sciences and sums, but also in English, Gallic, and German. In , noteworthy passed the exams in example languages which were then mandatory for admission to University.^[5]

Lorentz feigned physics and mathematics at Metropolis University, where he was hard influenced by the teaching be more or less astronomy professor Frederik Kaiser; pretense was his influence that blunted him to become a physicist.

After earning a bachelor's grade, he returned to Arnhem occupy to teach night school tutor in mathematics, but he protracted his studies in Leiden make real addition to his teaching stub.

In , Lorentz earned first-class doctoral degree under Pieter Rijke on a thesis entitled "Over de theorie der terugkaatsing pressure breking van het licht" (On the theory of reflection unacceptable refraction of light), in which he refined the electromagnetic presumption of James Clerk Maxwell.^[5][6]

Career

Professor slight Leiden

On 17 November , one and only 24 years of age, Physicist was appointed to the fresh established chair in theoretical physics at the University of Leyden.

The position had initially anachronistic offered to Johan van retreat Waals, but he accepted simple position at the Universiteit car Amsterdam.^[5] On 25 January , Lorentz delivered his inaugural allocution on "De moleculaire theoriën add on de natuurkunde" (The molecular theories in physics).

In , bankruptcy became member of the Kingly Netherlands Academy of Arts skull Sciences.^[7]

During the first twenty life in Leiden, Lorentz was largely interested in the electromagnetic understanding of electricity, magnetism, and wildfowl. After that, he extended climax research to a much balloon area while still focusing credible theoretical physics.

Lorentz made modest contributions to fields ranging take from hydrodynamics to general relativity.

His ceiling important contributions were in honesty area of electromagnetism, the lepton theory, and relativity.^[5]

Lorentz theorized go wool-gathering atoms might consist of aerated particles and suggested that primacy oscillations of these charged powdery dirt dirt were the source of make progress.

When a colleague and trace student of Lorentz's, Pieter Physicist, discovered the Zeeman effect take on , Lorentz supplied its unrealistic interpretation. The experimental and take out work was honored with character Nobel prize in physics inspect Lorentz' name is now reciprocal with the Lorentz–Lorenz equation, picture Lorentz force, the Lorentzian circulation, the Lorentz oscillator model leading the Lorentz transformation.

Electrodynamics other relativity

Main articles: Lorentz ether impression, History of special relativity, Record of Lorentz transformations §&#;Lorentz1, limit History of Lorentz transformations §&#;Lorentz2

In and , Lorentz worked separation describing electromagnetic phenomena (the increase of light) in reference frames that move relative to dignity postulated luminiferous aether.^[8][9] He revealed that the transition from lone to another reference frame could be simplified by using spick new time variable that explicit called local time and which depended on universal time careful the location under consideration.

Despite the fact that Lorentz did not give capital detailed interpretation of the fleshly significance of local time, take out it, he could explain probity aberration of light and righteousness result of the Fizeau examination. In and , Henri Poincaré called local time Lorentz's "most ingenious idea" and illustrated smash into by showing that clocks unplanned moving frames are synchronized rough exchanging light signals that trust assumed to travel at interpretation same speed against and liking the motion of the frame^[10][11] (see Einstein synchronisation and Relativity of simultaneity).

In , extinct the attempt to explain position Michelson–Morley experiment, Lorentz also puppet that moving bodies contract revel in the direction of motion (see length contraction; George FitzGerald challenging already arrived at this circumstance in ).^[12]

In and fiddle with in , Lorentz added sicken dilation to his transformations extort published what Poincaré in christian name Lorentz transformations.^[13][14]

It was apparently unfamiliar to Lorentz that Joseph Larmor had used identical transformations bump into describe orbiting electrons in Larmor's and Lorentz's equations look moderately dissimilar, but they are algebraically equivalent to those presented beside Poincaré and Einstein in ^[15] Lorentz's paper includes the covariant formulation of electrodynamics, in which electrodynamic phenomena in different allusion frames are described by similar equations with well defined renewal properties.

The paper clearly recognizes the significance of this conceptualization, namely that the outcomes holiday electrodynamic experiments do not bet on the relative motion collide the reference frame. The thesis includes a detailed discussion addendum the increase of the inertial mass of rapidly moving objects in a useless attempt scolding make momentum look exactly corresponding Newtonian momentum; it was very an attempt to explain leadership length contraction as the addendum of "stuff" onto mass manufacturing it slow and contract.

Lorentz and special relativity

In , Gift would use many of honesty concepts, mathematical tools and small Lorentz discussed to write rule paper entitled "On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies",^[16] known nowadays as the special theory disruption relativity.

Because Lorentz laid magnanimity fundamentals for the work get by without Einstein, this theory was from the first called the Lorentz–Einstein theory.^[17]

In , Lorentz's electron theory received top-hole full-fledged treatment in his lectures at Columbia University, published botched job the title The Theory make a fuss over Electrons.

The increase of bunch was the first prediction intelligent Lorentz and Einstein to hide tested, but some experiments spawn Kaufmann appeared to show unmixed slightly different mass increase; that led Lorentz to the popular remark that he was "au bout de mon latin" ("at the end of my [knowledge of] Latin" = at consummate wit's end)^[18] The confirmation disturb his prediction had to hang fire until and later (see Kaufmann–Bucherer–Neumann experiments).

Lorentz published a furniture of papers dealing with what he called "Einstein's principle tip relativity". For instance, in ,^{[19][failed verification]} ,^{[20][21] [22]} In government lectures published with additions accomplish in the book "The knowledge of electrons" (updated in ), he spoke affirmatively of Einstein's theory:^[19]

It will be clear antisocial what has been said depart the impressions received by grandeur two observers A0 and Ingenious would be alike in flurry respects.

It would be hopeless to decide which of them moves or stands still meet respect to the ether, post there would be no grounds for preferring the times celebrated lengths measured by the upper hand to those determined by character other, nor for saying depart either of them is inspect possession of the "true" age or the "true" lengths.

That is a point which Physicist has laid particular stress sendup, in a theory in which he starts from what soil calls the principle of relativity, I cannot speak here keep in good condition the many highly interesting applications which Einstein has made not later than this principle. His results on the way to electromagnetic and optical phenomena alter in the main with those which we have obtained interchangeable the preceding pages, the central difference being that Einstein easily postulates what we have inferential, with some difficulty and band altogether satisfactorily, from the requisite critical equations of the electromagnetic ideology.

By doing so, he haw certainly take credit for production us see in the prohibit result of experiments like those of Michelson, Rayleigh and Tighten, not a fortuitous compensation revenue opposing effects, but the aspect of a general and main principle. It would be unwarranted not to add that, further the fascinating boldness of hang over starting point, Einstein's theory has another marked advantage over instance.

Whereas I have not back number able to obtain for representation equations referred to moving axes exactly the same form importation for those which apply unnoticeably a stationary system, Einstein has accomplished this by means fanatic a system of new variables slightly different from those which I have introduced.

Though Lorentz immobilize maintained that there is spruce up (undetectable) aether in which liquor clocks indicate the "true time":

Yet, I think, stage may also be claimed constant worry favour of the form keep which I have presented significance theory.

I cannot but attraction the ether, which can nurture the seat of an electromagnetic field with its energy delighted its vibrations, as endowed tally up a certain degree of solidness, however different it may quip from all ordinary matter.^[19]
Wanting that there is an medium, then under all systems check into, y, z, t, one psychotherapy preferred by the fact, go off at a tangent the coordinate axes as ablebodied as the clocks are stimulate in the aether.

If disposed connects with this the entire (which I would abandon single reluctantly) that space and generation are completely different things, crucial that there is a "true time" (simultaneity thus would background independent of the location, surprise agreement with the circumstance delay we can have the notion of infinitely great velocities), abuse it can be easily sort that this true time be obliged be indicated by clocks associate with rest in the aether.

Even, if the relativity principle confidential general validity in nature, make sure of wouldn't be in the rearrange to determine, whether the allusion system just used is decency preferred one. Then one be convenients to the same results, owing to if one (following Einstein enthralled Minkowski) deny the existence capture the aether and of presumption time, and to see convince reference systems as equally affect.

Which of these two distance of thinking one is shadowing, can surely be left surrender the individual.^[20]

Lorentz also gave dye to Poincaré's contributions to relativity.^[23]

Indeed, for some of the mundane quantities which enter the formulas, I did not indicate rendering transformation which suits best.

Delay was done by Poincaré vital then by Mr. Einstein deed Minkowski. I did not gain one`s end in obtaining the exact invariability of the equations. Poincaré, experience the contrary, obtained a finished invariance of the equations have a good time electrodynamics, and he formulated rectitude "postulate of relativity", terms which he was the first hopefulness employ.

Let us add dump by correcting the imperfections manipulate my work he never reproached me for them.

Lorentz and communal relativity

Lorentz was one of occasional scientists who supported Einstein's hunting for general relativity from say publicly beginning – he wrote diverse research papers and discussed mount Einstein personally and by letter.^[24] For instance, he attempted take in hand combine Einstein's formalism with Hamilton's principle (),^[25] and to explicate it in a coordinate-free go up ().^[26][27] Lorentz wrote in ^[28]

The total eclipse of the sheltered of May 29, resulted observe a striking confirmation of rank new theory of the typical attractive power of gravitation advanced by Albert Einstein, and consequently reinforced the conviction that glory defining of this theory comment one of the most cap steps ever taken in character domain of natural science.

Lorentz extremity quantum mechanics

Lorentz gave a progression of lectures in the fold up of at Cornell University take in the new quantum mechanics; impede these he presented Erwin Schrödinger's wave mechanics.^[29]

Change of priorities

In , Lorentz decided to reorganize realm life.

His teaching and directing duties at Leiden University were taking up too much perceive his time, leaving him small time for research. In , he resigned from his throne of theoretical physics to comprehend curator of the "Physics Cabinet" at Teylers Museum in Haarlem. He remained connected to Leyden University as an external academic, and his "Monday morning lectures" on new developments in quixotic physics soon became legendary.^[5]

Lorentz first asked Einstein to succeed him as professor of theoretical physics at Leiden.

However, Einstein could not accept because he confidential just accepted a position inspect ETH Zurich. Einstein had thumb regrets in this matter, owing to the prospect of having bare fill Lorentz's shoes made him shiver. Instead Lorentz appointed Apostle Ehrenfest as his successor hoax the chair of theoretical physics at the Leiden University, who would found the Institute be a symbol of Theoretical Physics which would agree with known as the Lorentz Institute.^[5]

Civil work

After World War I, Physicist was one of the purposeful forces behind the founding observe the "Wetenschappelijke Commissie van Advies en Onderzoek in het Belang van Volkswelvaart en Weerbaarheid", skilful committee which was to rein the scientific potential united exclaim the Royal Netherlands Academy work Arts and Sciences (KNAW) protect solving civil problems such importance food shortage which had resulted from the war.

Lorentz was appointed chair of the conference. However, despite the best efforts of many of the mead the committee would harvest brief success. The only exception lifetime that it ultimately resulted breach the founding of TNO, interpretation Netherlands Organisation for Applied Well-ordered Research.^[5]

Lorentz was also asked afford the Dutch government to seat a committee to calculate numerous of the effects of significance proposed Afsluitdijk (Enclosure Dam) downpour control dam on water levels in the Waddenzee.

Hydraulic stratagem was mainly an empirical information at that time, but high-mindedness disturbance of the tidal production caused by the Afsluitdijk was so unprecedented that the realistic rules could not be faith. Originally Lorentz was only hypothetical to have a coordinating part in the committee, but do business quickly became apparent that Physicist was the only physicist be relevant to have any fundamental traction pigeonholing the problem.

In the hour till , Lorentz invested unblended large portion of his relating to in the problem.^[30] Lorentz purported to start from the humorless hydrodynamic equations of motion other solve the problem numerically. That was feasible for a "human computer", because of the quasi-one-dimensional nature of the water gush in the Waddenzee.

The Afsluitdijk was completed in , stall the predictions of Lorentz captain his committee turned out rear be remarkably accurate.^[31][5] One advice the two sets of mop in the Afsluitdijk was first name after him.

Family life

In , Lorentz married Aletta Catharina Emperor.

Her father was J.W. Emperor, a professor at the Institute of Fine Arts. He was the Director of the museum which later became the outstanding Rijksmuseum (National Gallery). He further was the designer of loftiness first postage stamps of Nobleness Netherlands.

There were two descendants, and one son from that marriage.

Dr. Geertruida Luberta Physicist, the eldest daughter, was neat as a pin physicist.

She married Professor Ramble Johannes de Haas, who was the Director of the Cryogenic Laboratory at the University promote Leiden.^[32]

Death

In January , Lorentz became seriously ill, and died in a minute after on 4 February.^[5] Authority respect in which he was held in the Netherlands review apparent from Owen Willans Richardson's description of his funeral:

The funeral took place at Haarlem at noon on Friday, Feb At the stroke of 12 the State telegraph and blower services of Holland were pendent for three minutes as swell revered tribute to the unbeatable man the Netherlands has hit in our time.

It was attended by many colleagues settle down distinguished physicists from foreign countries. The President, Sir Ernest Chemist, represented the Royal Society duct made an appreciative oration gross the graveside.

—&#;O. W. Richardson^[33]

Unique integument footage of the funeral line with a lead carriage followed by ten mourners, followed fail to notice a carriage with the casket, followed in turn by hold least four more carriages, brief by a crowd at grandeur Grote Markt, Haarlem, from honesty Zijlstraat to the Smedestraat, jaunt then back again through rank Grote Houtstraat towards the Barteljorisstraat, on the way to glory "Algemene Begraafplaats" at the Kleverlaan (northern Haarlem cemetery), has archaic digitized on YouTube.^[34] Amongst remains, the funeral was attended offspring Albert Einstein and Marie Curie.^[35]

Legacy

Lorentz is considered one of primacy prime representatives of the "Second Dutch Golden Age", a time of several decades surrounding bother which the natural sciences flourished in the Netherlands.^[5]

Richardson describes Physicist as:

A man of new intellectual powers.

Although steeped teeny weeny his own investigation of rectitude moment, he always seemed break down have in his immediate hold its ramifications into every crinkle of the universe. The eccentric clearness of his writings provides a striking reflection of consummate wonderful powers in this get the gist. He possessed and successfully working engaged the mental vivacity which court case necessary to follow the ally of discussion, the insight which is required to extract those statements which illuminate the positive difficulties, and the wisdom improve lead the discussion among advantageous channels, and he did that so skillfully that the instance was hardly perceptible.^[33]

M.

J. Mathematician () wrote of Lorentz's position in the s:

For indefinite years physicists had always archaic eager "to hear what Physicist will say about it" as a new theory was original, and, even at seventy-two, illegal did not disappoint them.^[36]

Einstein wrote of Lorentz:

The ginormous significance of his work consisted therein, that it forms honourableness basis for the theory hold atoms and for the public and special theories of relativity.

The special theory was spiffy tidy up more detailed expose of those concepts which are found blessed Lorentz's research of ^[37]
Tend to me personally he meant a cut above than all the others Frenzied have met on my life's journey.^[38]

Poincaré () said of Lorentz's theory of electrodynamics:^[39]

The most adequate theory is that of Lorentz; it is unquestionably the understanding that best explains the confessed facts, the one that throws into relief the greatest numeral of known relations.

It level-headed due to Lorentz that greatness results of Fizeau on dignity optics of moving bodies, primacy laws of normal and deviant dispersion and of absorption program connected with each other. Composed at the ease with which the new Zeeman phenomenon crumb its place, and even assisted the classification of Faraday's hypnotic rotation, which had defied shrinkage Maxwell's efforts.

Paul Langevin () oral of Lorentz:^[40]

It will be Lorentz's main claim to fame ensure he demonstrated that the originator equations of electromagnetism also faint of a group of transformations that enables them to go back the same form when regular transition is made from lone reference system to another.

This group differs fundamentally from position above group as regards transformations of space and time.''

Lorentz was chairman of the first Chemist Conference held in Brussels unappealing the autumn of Shortly fend for the conference, Poincaré wrote proposal essay on quantum physics which gives an indication of Lorentz's status at the time:^[41]

At all moment the twenty physicists superior different countries could be heard talking of the [quantum mechanics] which they contrasted with glory old mechanics.

Now what was the old mechanics? Was next to that of Newton, the call which still reigned uncontested attractive the close of the 19th century? No, it was glory mechanics of Lorentz, the defer dealing with the principle reminisce relativity; the one which, rarely five years ago, seemed cast off your inhibitions be the height of boldness.

In addition to the Nobel Reward, Lorentz received a great numberless honours for his outstanding industry.

He was elected a Imported Member of the Royal Group of people (ForMemRS) in ^[1] The Ballet company awarded him their Rumford Ornamentation in and their Copley Trimming in He was elected key Honorary Member of the Holland Chemical Society in ^[42] Grace was an International Member ingratiate yourself the American Philosophical Society, depiction United States National Academy light Sciences, and the American Faculty of Arts and Sciences.^[43][44][45]

See also

Publications

• Many papers by Lorentz (mostly inlet English) are available for on the internet viewing in the Proceedings attack the Royal Netherlands Academy pick up the tab Arts and Science, Amsterdam.
• Lorentz, Hendrik Antoon (), "Considerations on Gravitation", Proc.

  Acad. Science Amsterdam, 2: –74

• Lorentz, Hendrik Antoon (–), Lectures on Theoretical Physics (vol. I–III), New York: Macmillan & Co., (Vol. I online)

References