Erwin Schrodinger

Date of Birth: August 12, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Leo

Date of Death: January 4, 1961

Biography

Erwin Schrödinger was born in Vienna, Austria, on August 12, 1887. He emerged as one of the most influential physicists of the 20th century, particularly known for his contributions to quantum mechanics. Schrödinger completed his studies in physics at the University of Vienna, where he developed a strong foundation in theoretical physics. He went on to hold academic positions at various prestigious institutions including the University of Zurich, the University of Berlin, and the University of Oxford. Schrödinger is perhaps best known for his formulation of the Schrödinger equation, a fundamental equation in quantum mechanics that describes how the quantum state of a physical system changes over time. His work on wave mechanics earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1933, an honor he shared with Paul Dirac. In addition to his scientific work, Schrödinger was a philosopher of science and wrote extensively on the relationship between science and philosophy. His thought experiment known as “Schrödinger’s Cat” remains one of the most famous and widely discussed paradoxes in quantum theory. Schrödinger passed away on January 4, 1961, in Vienna, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence modern physics and philosophy.

5 Interesting Facts about Erwin Schrodinger

1. Erwin Schrödinger developed the Schrödinger equation, a key foundation in quantum mechanics.

2. He shared the 1933 Nobel Prize in Physics with Paul Dirac for their discovery of new productive forms of atomic theory.

3. Schrödinger’s thought experiment “Schrödinger’s Cat” is a famous paradox that illustrates the concept of superposition in quantum mechanics.

4. He was a polyglot, fluent in several languages including German, English, French, and Italian.

5. Schrödinger had a keen interest in philosophy and wrote several books that explore the philosophical implications of quantum mechanics.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Erwin Schrodinger

1. “The present situation in quantum mechanics is a veritable scandal.”

2. “I don’t like it, and I’m sorry I ever had anything to do with it.”

3. “If a man never contradicts himself, the reason must be that he virtually never says anything at all.”

4. “The task is, not so much to see what no one yet has seen, but to think what nobody yet has thought, about that which everybody sees.”

5. “The scientist only imposes two things, namely truth and sincerity, imposes them upon himself and upon other scientists.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

It’s difficult to estimate the exact net worth of historical figures like Erwin Schrödinger, but his highest net worth would likely have been moderate compared to modern standards, given his academic career and the era he lived in.

Children

Erwin Schrödinger had one daughter, Ruth Georgie Schrödinger, who was born in 1934. Ruth’s mother was Hilde March, the wife of Schrödinger’s colleague Arthur March. Despite the unconventional circumstances, Schrödinger maintained a relationship with his daughter.