James Clerk Maxwell - Revision history

AE96 at 18:56, 10 February 2021

2021-02-10T18:56:13Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:56, 10 February 2021
Line 7:		Line 7:
	James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh (Sorge). In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child (O’Connor), enjoyed rural upbringing and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).		James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh (Sorge). In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child (O’Connor), enjoyed rural upbringing and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).

	It was at the Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory, "On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci" (O’Connor). Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell ~~transferred~~ to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated ~~with a degree~~ in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of many small solid particles (Sorge), which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980 (Smithsonian).		It was at the Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory, "On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci" (O’Connor). Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell moved on to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of many small solid particles (Sorge), which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980 (Smithsonian).

	From 1860 to 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that he worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic fields.		From 1860 to 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that he worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic fields.

AE96 at 18:52, 10 February 2021

2021-02-10T18:52:05Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:52, 10 February 2021
Line 7:		Line 7:
	James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh (Sorge). In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child (O’Connor), enjoyed rural upbringing and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).		James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh (Sorge). In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child (O’Connor), enjoyed rural upbringing and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).

	It was at the Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory, "On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci" (O’Connor). Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell transferred to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of ~~numerous~~ small solid particles (Sorge), which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980 (Smithsonian).		It was at the Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory, "On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci" (O’Connor). Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell transferred to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of many small solid particles (Sorge), which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980 (Smithsonian).

	From 1860 to 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that he worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic fields.		From 1860 to 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that he worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic fields.

AE96 at 18:36, 10 February 2021

2021-02-10T18:36:51Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:36, 10 February 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh) - 5 November 1879 (in Cambridge). Physicist.		13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh) - 5 November 1879 (in Cambridge). Physicist.

			Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one of the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day (Webb).

			=='''Biography'''==

			James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh (Sorge). In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child (O’Connor), enjoyed rural upbringing and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).

			It was at the Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory, "On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci" (O’Connor). Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell transferred to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of numerous small solid particles (Sorge), which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980 (Smithsonian).

			From 1860 to 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that he worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic fields.
			Maxwell also questioned the kinetic theory of gases, coming up with his kinetic theory (Sorge). After his retirement from King’s College, Maxwell continued his scientific research on his estate in Scotland, where he also enjoyed his private life with his wife Katherine Mary Dewar, whom he had married in 1859. Apart from receiving numerous awards, such as the prestigious Hopkins Prize, Maxwell was encouraged to establish the Cavendish Laboratory as Professor of Physics at Cambridge University in 1871 (James Maxwell Foundation). From 1872 until his death on 5 November 1879, Maxwell devoted his time to the works of Henry Cavendish, experimenting with Cavendish’s findings on experimental electricity. This then resulted in the publication of ''The Electrical Researches of the Honourable Henry Cavendish'' edited by Maxwell in 1879, which has retained its importance until today (Falconer).

			=='''Achievements in Physics and Mathematics'''==

			'''Colour Photography'''

			In 1861, Maxwell produced the earliest colour photograph. Maxwell, in collaboration with photographer Thomas Sutton, presented an image of a tartan ribbon as a first colour photograph, which had been photographed through three different coloured filters and was then recombined into one colour composite (James Maxwell Foundation), thus proving Thomas Young’s theory of additive colour mixing (Heesen). Beforehand, Maxwell had already demonstrated that all colours can be produced by different combinations of the three primary colours (Sack).

			'''Maxwell's Distribution of the Theory of Gases'''

			Maxwell figured out the distribution of speed in a gas at a certain temperature. He realised that the air molecules are travelling at different speeds, some moving fast, others travelling at moderate speed or not moving at all. Maxwell thus calculated the speed of different molecules. His result is referred to as the Maxwell distribution:

			f(v)=(m2πkBT−−−−−−√)34πv2⋅exp(−mv22kBT) (tec-science).

			Ludwig Boltzman later further developed Maxwell’s Distribution to form the Maxwell-Boltzman kinetic theory.

			=='''Maxwell’s Equations'''==

			Maxwell’s most important achievement is his theory of the electromagnetic field. He brought together the work of other physicists on electricity and magnetism, such as Faraday’s Law, Gauss’ Law and Ampere’s Law, and added his own insights to formulate his theory on electromagnetism. Maxwell had discovered earlier that electromagnetic fields consist of waves. In 1873, he managed to came up with four equations that describe how electric and magnetic fields propagate, interact, and how they are influenced by objects, i.e. that they are different manifestations of the same thing - the electromagnetic force. Maxwell furthermore proved that electromagnetic waves travelled at a constant speed of around 300,000 km s, at the speed of light. He, thus, proved that light was nothing but an electromagnetic wave (Institute of Physics).

			Maxwell’s theory had an important impact both on future research and technical inventions. Einstein even based his theory of special relativity on Maxwell’s findings, while e.g. the basic technology of cellular mobile phones, portable transistor radios and WiFi are also based on Maxwell’s theory (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).

			=='''Sources'''==

			Falconer, Isobel. Editing Cavendish. "Maxwell and the Electric Researches of Henry Cavendish." ''University of St. Andrews'', April 2015. www.clerkmaxwellfoundation.org/Editing_Cavendish.pdf.

			Heesen, Remco. "The Young-(Helmholtz)-Maxwell Theory of Color Vision." 23 January 2015, p.4. www.philsci-archive.pitt.edu/11279/1/The_Young-%28Helmholtz%29-Maxwell_Theory_of_Color_Vision.pdf.

			James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. Honorary Patron: Professor Peter Higgs, 1977. www.clerkmaxwellfoundation.org/.

			"Maxwell’s equations." ''Institute of Physics.'' www.iop.org/explore-physics/physics-stepping-stones/maxwells-equations.

			"Maxwell-Boltzman Distribution." ''tec-science'', 15 February 2019. www.tec-science.com/thermodynamics/kinetic-theory-of-gases/maxwell-boltzmann-distribution/.

			O'Connor, J.J. and Robertson, E.F. "A Visit to James Clerk Maxwell‘s house." ''MacTutor History of Mathematics. School of Mathematics and Statistics.'' University of St. Andrews, November 1997. mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Maxwell/

			Sack, Harald. "James Clerk Maxwell and the Very First Colour Photograph." ''SciHi Blog'', 17 May 2020, scihi.org/james-clerk-maxwell-color-photograph/.

			"Saturn’s Rings - The Voyager Encounters." ''Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.'' www.airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/exploring-the-planets/online/solar-system/saturn/voyager-encounters.cfm

			Sorge, Silke. "Physiker, mathematisches Genie und Hahn im Korb auf der Venus." ''uni-online'', 2006. www.uni-online.de/personen/james-clerk-maxwell/.

			Webb, Tiger. "James Clerk Maxwell: the greatest physicist you've never heard of." ''ABC'', 1 December 2015. www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/scienceshow/james-clerk-maxwell:-the-greatest-physicist/6990508.

WikiSysop: Replaced content with "13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh) - 5 November 1879 (in Cambridge). Physicist."

2021-02-08T12:14:26Z

Replaced content with "13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh) - 5 November 1879 (in Cambridge). Physicist."

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:14, 8 February 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh) - 5 November 1879 (in Cambridge). Physicist.		13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh) - 5 November 1879 (in Cambridge). Physicist.

	Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one of the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day.


	~~=='''Biography'''==~~

	James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh. In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child, enjoyed rural upbringing, and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).

	It was at the Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory, "On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci". Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell transferred to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of numerous small solid particles, which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980 (O’Connor).

	From 1860 to 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that Maxwell worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic fields.
	Maxwell also questioned the kinetic theory of gases, coming up with his kinetic theory. After his retirement from King’s College, Maxwell continued his scientific research on his estate in Scotland, where he also enjoyed his private life with his wife Katherine Mary Dewar, whom he had married in 1859. Apart from receiving numerous awards, such as the prestigious Hopkins Prize, Maxwell was encouraged to establish the Cavendish Laboratory as Professor of Physics at Cambridge University in 1871.

	Between 1872 until his death on 5 November 1879, Maxwell devoted his time to the works of Henry Cavendish, experimenting with Cavendish’s findings on experimental electricity. This then resulted in the publication of ''The Electrical Researches of the Honourable Henry Cavendish'' edited by Maxwell in 1879, which has retained its importance until today (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).

	~~=='''Achievements in Physics and Mathematics'''==~~

	~~'''Colour Photography'''~~

	In 1861, Maxwell produced the earliest colour photograph. Maxwell had photographer Thomas Sutton photograph an image of a tartan ribbon three times through red, blue, and yellow filters, then recombining the images into one colour composite. Because of this photograph, Maxwell is credited as the founder of the theory of additive colour. Beforehand, Maxwell had already demonstrated that all colours can be produced by different combinations of the three primary colours (Sack).

	~~'''Maxwell's Distribution [Contribution?] on the Theory of Gases'''~~

	Maxwell figured out the distribution of speed in a gas at a certain temperature. He realised that the air molecules are travelling at different speeds, some moving fast, others travelling at moderate speed or not moving at all. Maxwell thus calculated the speed of different molecules. His result is referred to as the Maxwell distribution:

	~~f(v)=(m2πkBT−−−−−−√)34πv2⋅exp(−mv22kBT) (tec-science).~~

	~~Ludwig Boltzman later further developed Maxwell’s Distribution to form the Maxwell-Boltzman kinetic theory.~~

	~~=='''Maxwell’s Equations'''==~~

	Maxwell’s most important achievement is his theory of the electromagnetic field. He brought together the work of other physicists on electricity and magnetism, such as Faraday’s Law, Gauss’ Law and Ampere’s Law, and added his own insights to formulate his theory on electromagnetism. Maxwell showed that electricity and magnetism create waves of electromagnetic energy. In 1873, he managed to came up with four equations that describe how electric and magnetic fields propagate, interact, and how they are influenced by objects, i.e. that they are different manifestations of the same thing - the electromagnetic force. Maxwell furthermore proved that electromagnetic waves travelled at a constant speed of around 300,000 km s, at the speed of light. He, thus, proved that light was nothing but an electromagnetic wave (Institute of Physics).

	Maxwell’s theory had an important impact both on future research and technical inventions. Einstein even based his theory of special relativity on Maxwell’s findings, while e.g. the basic technology of cellular mobile phones, portable transistor radios and WiFi are also based on Maxwell’s theory (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).

	~~=='''Sources'''==~~

	~~James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. Honorary Patron: Professor Peter Higgs, 1977. www.clerkmaxwellfoundation.org/.~~

	~~“Maxwell’s equations.” ''Institute of Physics.'' www.iop.org/explore-physics/physics-stepping-stones/maxwells-equations.~~

	~~“Maxwell-Boltzman Distribution.” ''tec-science'', 15 February 2019. www.tec-science.com/thermodynamics/kinetic-theory-of-gases/maxwell-boltzmann-distribution/.~~

	O'Connor, J.J. and Robertson, E.F. “James Clerk Maxwell.” ''MacTutor History of Mathematics.School of Mathematics and Statistics.'' University of Saint Andrews, Scotland, November 1997. www.mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Maxwell.

	~~Sack, Harald. “James Clerk Maxwell and the Very First Colour Photograph.” ''SciHi Blog'', 17 May 2020, scihi.org/james-clerk-maxwell-color-photograph/.~~

	~~Sorge, Silke. „Physiker, mathematisches Genie und Hahn im Korb auf der Venus.“ ''uni-online'', 2006. www.uni-online.de/personen/james-clerk-maxwell/~~.

Pankratz at 10:15, 8 February 2021

2021-02-08T10:15:04Z

AE96 at 20:44, 7 February 2021

2021-02-07T20:44:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:44, 7 February 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh, Scotland)-05 November 1879 (in Cambridge, England). Physicist.		13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh, Scotland)-05 November 1879 (in Cambridge, England). Physicist.

	Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day.		Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one of the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day.

AE96 at 20:43, 7 February 2021

2021-02-07T20:43:44Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:43, 7 February 2021
Line 3:		Line 3:
	Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day.		Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day.

	~~'''Contents:'''~~

	~~1. Biography~~

	~~2. Achievements in Physics and Mathematics~~

	~~3. Sources~~

	=='''Biography'''==		=='''Biography'''==
Line 36:		Line 29:
	Ludwig Boltzman later further developed Maxwell’s Distribution to form the Maxwell-Boltzman kinetic theory.		Ludwig Boltzman later further developed Maxwell’s Distribution to form the Maxwell-Boltzman kinetic theory.

	'''Maxwell’s Equations'''		=='''Maxwell’s Equations'''==

			Maxwell’s most important achievement is his theory of the electromagnetic field. He brought together the work of other physicists on electricity and magnetism, such as Faraday’s Law, Gauss’ Law and Ampere’s Law, and added his own insights to formulate his theory on electromagnetism. Maxwell showed that electricity and magnetism create waves of electromagnetic energy. In 1873, he managed to came up with four equations that describe how electric and magnetic fields propagate, interact, and how they are influenced by objects, i.e. that they are different manifestations of the same thing - the electromagnetic force. Maxwell furthermore proved that electromagnetic waves travelled at a constant speed of around 300,000 km s, at the speed of light. He, thus, proved that light was nothing but an electromagnetic wave (Institute of Physics).

	Maxwell’s most important achievement is his theory of the electromagnetic field. Maxwell brought together the work of other physicists on electricity and magnetism, such as Faraday’s Law, Gauss’ Law and Ampere’s Law, and added his own insights to formulate his theory on electromagnetism. Maxwell showed that electricity and magnetism create waves of electromagnetic energy. In 1873, he managed to came up with four equations that describe how electric and magnetic fields propagate, interact, and how they are influenced by objects, i.e. that they are different manifestations of the same thing - the electromagnetic force. Maxwell furthermore proved that electromagnetic waves travelled at a constant speed of around 300,000 km s, at the speed of light. Maxwell, thus, proved that light was nothing but an electromagnetic wave (Institute of Physics).
	Maxwell’s theory had an important impact both on future research and technical inventions. Einstein even based his theory of special relativity on Maxwell’s findings, while e.g. the basic technology of cellular mobile phones, portable transistor radios and WiFi are also based on Maxwell’s theory (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).		Maxwell’s theory had an important impact both on future research and technical inventions. Einstein even based his theory of special relativity on Maxwell’s findings, while e.g. the basic technology of cellular mobile phones, portable transistor radios and WiFi are also based on Maxwell’s theory (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).

AE96 at 20:30, 7 February 2021

2021-02-07T20:30:23Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:30, 7 February 2021
Line 44:		Line 44:

	James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. Honorary Patron: Professor Peter Higgs, 1977. www.clerkmaxwellfoundation.org/.		James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. Honorary Patron: Professor Peter Higgs, 1977. www.clerkmaxwellfoundation.org/.

	~~Sack, Harald. “James Clerk Maxwell and the Very First Colour Photograph.” ''SciHi Blog'', 17 May 2020, scihi.org/james-clerk-maxwell-color-photograph/.~~

	“Maxwell’s equations.” ''Institute of Physics.'' www.iop.org/explore-physics/physics-stepping-stones/maxwells-equations.		“Maxwell’s equations.” ''Institute of Physics.'' www.iop.org/explore-physics/physics-stepping-stones/maxwells-equations.
Line 52:		Line 50:

	O'Connor, J.J. and Robertson, E.F. “James Clerk Maxwell.” ''MacTutor History of Mathematics.School of Mathematics and Statistics.'' University of Saint Andrews, Scotland, November 1997. www.mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Maxwell.		O'Connor, J.J. and Robertson, E.F. “James Clerk Maxwell.” ''MacTutor History of Mathematics.School of Mathematics and Statistics.'' University of Saint Andrews, Scotland, November 1997. www.mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Maxwell.

			Sack, Harald. “James Clerk Maxwell and the Very First Colour Photograph.” ''SciHi Blog'', 17 May 2020, scihi.org/james-clerk-maxwell-color-photograph/.

	Sorge, Silke. „Physiker, mathematisches Genie und Hahn im Korb auf der Venus.“ ''uni-online'', 2006. www.uni-online.de/personen/james-clerk-maxwell/.		Sorge, Silke. „Physiker, mathematisches Genie und Hahn im Korb auf der Venus.“ ''uni-online'', 2006. www.uni-online.de/personen/james-clerk-maxwell/.

AE96: Created page with "13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh, Scotland)-05 November 1879 (in Cambridge, England). Physicist. Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next t..."

2021-02-07T20:28:18Z

Created page with "13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh, Scotland)-05 November 1879 (in Cambridge, England). Physicist. Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next t..."

New page

13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh, Scotland)-05 November 1879 (in Cambridge, England). Physicist.

Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day.

'''Contents:'''

1. Biography

2. Achievements in Physics and Mathematics

3. Sources

=='''Biography'''==

James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh. In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child, enjoyed rural upbringing, and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).

It was at Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci. Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell transferred to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of numerous small solid particles, which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980. (O’Connor).

From 1860 – 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that Maxwell worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic field.
Maxwell also questioned the kinetic theory of gases, coming up with his kinetic theory. After his retirement from King’s College, Maxwell continued his scientific research on his estate in Scotland, where he also enjoyed his private life with his wife Katherine Mary Dewar, whom he had married in 1859. Apart from receiving numerous awards, such as the prestigious Hopkins Prize, Maxwell was encouraged to establish the Cavendish Laboratory as Professor of Physics at Cambridge University in 1871.

Between 1872 until his death on November 5th, 1879, Maxwell devoted his time to the works of Henry Cavendish, experimenting with Cavendish’s findings on experimental electricity. This then resulted in the publication of The Electrical Researches of the Honourable Henry Cavendish edited by Maxwell in 1879, which has retained its importance until today (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).

=='''Achievements in Physics and Mathematics'''==

'''Colour Photography'''

In 1861, Maxwell produced the earliest colour photograph. Maxwell had photographer Thomas Sutton photograph an image of a tartan ribbon three times through red, blue, and yellow filters, then recombining the images into one colour composite. Because of this photograph, Maxwell is credited as the founder of the theory of additive colour. Beforehand, Maxwell had already demonstrated that all colours can be produced by different combinations of the three primary colours (Sack).

'''Maxwells Distribution on the theory of gases'''

Maxwell figured out the distribution of speed in a gas at a certain temperature. He realised that the air molecules are travelling at different speeds, some moving fast, others travelling at moderate speed or not moving at all. Maxwell thus calculated the speed of different molecules. His result is referred to as the Maxwell distribution:

f(v)=(m2πkBT−−−−−−√)34πv2⋅exp(−mv22kBT) (tec-science).

Ludwig Boltzman later further developed Maxwell’s Distribution to form the Maxwell-Boltzman kinetic theory.

'''Maxwell’s Equations'''

Maxwell’s most important achievement is his theory of the electromagnetic field. Maxwell brought together the work of other physicists on electricity and magnetism, such as Faraday’s Law, Gauss’ Law and Ampere’s Law, and added his own insights to formulate his theory on electromagnetism. Maxwell showed that electricity and magnetism create waves of electromagnetic energy. In 1873, he managed to came up with four equations that describe how electric and magnetic fields propagate, interact, and how they are influenced by objects, i.e. that they are different manifestations of the same thing - the electromagnetic force. Maxwell furthermore proved that electromagnetic waves travelled at a constant speed of around 300,000 km s, at the speed of light. Maxwell, thus, proved that light was nothing but an electromagnetic wave (Institute of Physics).
Maxwell’s theory had an important impact both on future research and technical inventions. Einstein even based his theory of special relativity on Maxwell’s findings, while e.g. the basic technology of cellular mobile phones, portable transistor radios and WiFi are also based on Maxwell’s theory (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).

=='''Sources'''==

James Clerk Maxwell Foundation. Honorary Patron: Professor Peter Higgs, 1977. www.clerkmaxwellfoundation.org/.

Sack, Harald. “James Clerk Maxwell and the Very First Colour Photograph.” ''SciHi Blog'', 17 May 2020, scihi.org/james-clerk-maxwell-color-photograph/.

“Maxwell’s equations.” ''Institute of Physics.'' www.iop.org/explore-physics/physics-stepping-stones/maxwells-equations.

“Maxwell-Boltzman Distribution.” ''tec-science'', 15 February 2019. www.tec-science.com/thermodynamics/kinetic-theory-of-gases/maxwell-boltzmann-distribution/.

O'Connor, J.J. and Robertson, E.F. “James Clerk Maxwell.” ''MacTutor History of Mathematics.School of Mathematics and Statistics.'' University of Saint Andrews, Scotland, November 1997. www.mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Maxwell.

Sorge, Silke. „Physiker, mathematisches Genie und Hahn im Korb auf der Venus.“ ''uni-online'', 2006. www.uni-online.de/personen/james-clerk-maxwell/.

← Older revision		Revision as of 10:15, 8 February 2021
Line 1:		Line 1:
	13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh~~, Scotland~~)-05 November 1879 (in Cambridge~~, England~~). Physicist.		13 June 1831 (in Edinburgh) - 5 November 1879 (in Cambridge). Physicist.

	Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one of the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day.		Nowadays considered to be one of the most important physicists of his time. Next to Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein, Maxwell is looked upon to be one of the founding fathers of modern physics. Many of his theories and achievements still influence everyday life to this day.
Line 8:		Line 8:
	James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh. In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child, enjoyed rural upbringing, and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).		James Clerk Maxwell was born on June 13, 1831, the only child to lawyer John Clerk and his wife, in Edinburgh. In his early childhood, Maxwell, an attentive and inquisitive child, enjoyed rural upbringing, and was taught at home by his mother. Maxwell’s mother died when he was only eight years old, forcing his father to send him to school in Edinburgh (Sorge).

	It was at Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci. Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell transferred to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of numerous small solid particles, which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980. (O’Connor).		It was at the Edinburgh Academy that Maxwell was finally able to live out his thirst for knowledge in the field of natural sciences. At the age of 14, Maxwell published his first theory, "On the description of oval curves and those having a plurality of foci". Before eventually following the call of a scientific career, Maxwell first enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in 1847, taking classes in Natural and Moral Philosophy, which reflected his religious education according to humanitarian values as a child. In 1850, Maxwell transferred to Trinity College in Cambridge, where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics in 1854. During his appointment as Professor of Natural Philosophy at Aberdeen’s Marischal College in 1856, Maxwell concentrated on his findings that the Saturn rings consisted of numerous small solid particles, which was later confirmed by the NASA Voyager 1 expedition in 1980 (O’Connor).

	From 1860 – 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that Maxwell worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic ~~field~~.		From 1860 to 1865, Maxwell held a chair as Professor of Natural Philosophy at King’s College London. It was during his time at King’s College that Maxwell worked on his most important achievements, including his key finding about the theory of electromagnetic fields.
	Maxwell also questioned the kinetic theory of gases, coming up with his kinetic theory. After his retirement from King’s College, Maxwell continued his scientific research on his estate in Scotland, where he also enjoyed his private life with his wife Katherine Mary Dewar, whom he had married in 1859. Apart from receiving numerous awards, such as the prestigious Hopkins Prize, Maxwell was encouraged to establish the Cavendish Laboratory as Professor of Physics at Cambridge University in 1871.		Maxwell also questioned the kinetic theory of gases, coming up with his kinetic theory. After his retirement from King’s College, Maxwell continued his scientific research on his estate in Scotland, where he also enjoyed his private life with his wife Katherine Mary Dewar, whom he had married in 1859. Apart from receiving numerous awards, such as the prestigious Hopkins Prize, Maxwell was encouraged to establish the Cavendish Laboratory as Professor of Physics at Cambridge University in 1871.

	Between 1872 until his death on November ~~5th,~~ 1879, Maxwell devoted his time to the works of Henry Cavendish, experimenting with Cavendish’s findings on experimental electricity. This then resulted in the publication of The Electrical Researches of the Honourable Henry Cavendish edited by Maxwell in 1879, which has retained its importance until today (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).		Between 1872 until his death on 5 November 1879, Maxwell devoted his time to the works of Henry Cavendish, experimenting with Cavendish’s findings on experimental electricity. This then resulted in the publication of ''The Electrical Researches of the Honourable Henry Cavendish'' edited by Maxwell in 1879, which has retained its importance until today (James Clerk Maxwell Foundation).

	=='''Achievements in Physics and Mathematics'''==		=='''Achievements in Physics and Mathematics'''==
Line 21:		Line 21:
	In 1861, Maxwell produced the earliest colour photograph. Maxwell had photographer Thomas Sutton photograph an image of a tartan ribbon three times through red, blue, and yellow filters, then recombining the images into one colour composite. Because of this photograph, Maxwell is credited as the founder of the theory of additive colour. Beforehand, Maxwell had already demonstrated that all colours can be produced by different combinations of the three primary colours (Sack).		In 1861, Maxwell produced the earliest colour photograph. Maxwell had photographer Thomas Sutton photograph an image of a tartan ribbon three times through red, blue, and yellow filters, then recombining the images into one colour composite. Because of this photograph, Maxwell is credited as the founder of the theory of additive colour. Beforehand, Maxwell had already demonstrated that all colours can be produced by different combinations of the three primary colours (Sack).

	'''~~Maxwells~~ Distribution on the ~~theory~~ of ~~gases~~'''		'''Maxwell's Distribution [Contribution?] on the Theory of Gases'''

	Maxwell figured out the distribution of speed in a gas at a certain temperature. He realised that the air molecules are travelling at different speeds, some moving fast, others travelling at moderate speed or not moving at all. Maxwell thus calculated the speed of different molecules. His result is referred to as the Maxwell distribution:		Maxwell figured out the distribution of speed in a gas at a certain temperature. He realised that the air molecules are travelling at different speeds, some moving fast, others travelling at moderate speed or not moving at all. Maxwell thus calculated the speed of different molecules. His result is referred to as the Maxwell distribution: