Millikan tests Einstein's Light Theory

Detailed presentation of the historic confirmation of Einstein's photoelectric formula in the experiment conducted by Robert Millikan. Step into the pivotal moment in physics when Albert Einstein's theory met experimental proof through Millikan's meticulous work, his skepticism turned into one of the most important confirmations in modern science, and why this experiment was crucial for Einstein winning the Nobel Prize.

[Errata]
∘ 00:44 I said "1805" instead of "1905" shown on the screen. My mistake, I wish I could blame my bad pronunciation but I said it wrong.
∘ 01:50 I say "1905" but too fast and it sounds like "1805" again; this was my deteriorated elocution

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[References]
∘ W. Friedrich, P. Knipping, and M. Laue, "Interferenz-Erscheinungen bei Röntgenstrahlen," Classe der K.B. Akademie der Wissenschaften zu München, 303 (1912)
∘ K.T. Compton and O.W. Richardson, Phil. Mag. (6) 24, 575 (1912)

[Credits]
Albert Einstein in 1905, public domain
Philipp Lenard, public domain
Young interference by Sakurambo, public domain
Max Laue, public domain
Bern clock tower, public domain
Robert Millikan, public domain
Karl T. Compton, public domain
Arthur H. Compton, public domain
Owe. W. Richardson, public domain
Arthur Hughes, AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives
Lenard window tube, public domain
Albert Michelson, public domain
Michelson interferometer, public domain
Nobel Prize Nomination Archive, Nobel Foundation
Caltech 1922, aereal view, public domain
Caltech Magazine Spring 2021, Caltech
Robert Millikan and Ira Bowen in the cosmic ray laboratory, AIP Emilio Segrè Visual Archives
1931 International Conference on Nuclear Physics, public domain

[johnned]

And to think Millikan first didn't want to be a physicist. He was a classics major at Oberlin who got press-ganged into teaching an introductory physics course by his Greek professor. " If you can understand Greek you can understand physics." When he graduates theres a depression and hes forced to keep teaching physics at Oberlin. Faculty get him to apply for a teaching assistantship at Columbia University. And his career starts

[iainmackenzieUK]

As a teacher of Physics, I am always cautious about using the term 'particle' when referring to the photon. 'Localised quantum of energy', in my view, challenges the student to dig more deeply into their understanding of this model and reduces the risk of misconceptions regarding mass.

[KipIngram]

I have enormous respect for both Millikan's ability to achieve such remarkable experimental data quality AND his honesty and integrity in publishing the results in spite of them showing precisely what he had set out to disprove. That's the very definition of scientific professionalism.

[kennethemmanuel]

Just had to comment. I stumbled upon your channel tonight and I have absolutely fallen in love with it. Although an Engineer by training, I have always been fascinated by science and the history behind several important scientific and technological advancements. Love seeing how you explained the math and intuition that guided these discoveries. I hope you get more subscribers in future as this is an absolute gem.

[jokeyxero]

This series is exactly the kind of detailed physics history I've been wanting.

[JacksonRiddle]

you are slowly becoming one of my favorite youtubers, as i am super passionate about physics and learning the history of it is always fascinating. i’m majoring in physics next year and these videos always make me look forward to my future. thank you!

[sphakamisozondi]

Christmas has come early. A new upload

[adilahmahjan]

Knowing how the things got developed really makes you understand about the concepts in entirety....keep making videos like these and lit up the fire of new generation physics students..❤

[Markoul]

Your presentations of the history of modern science are breathtaking! Congratulations!

[GeoffryGifari]

Got to respect Millikan's integrity to publish results opposite to what he wanted

[falafeelking]

Great video, as always. This channel has became my favorite; great way of addressing the historical point of view, the theories themselves, and of course the math!
Keep up!

[gametimewitharyan]

Each one of your videos is a masterpiece, both in terms of the hard work you put into them reading research papers and the history, and in terms of the slow and calm pace of your videos which doesn't bombard us with information like Rutherford did with the gold foils using Alpha particles

I had subscribed to you because of your submission for SoME, the video on saving the Enola Gay, and had not watched other videos of yours because I wouldn't understand the nuclear bomb videos very much, but this! This series has brought your channel back into my attention and I am honoured to get an opportunity to watch such high quality videos

Will be waiting for the next video :D

[johnned]

Amazing. To see the symmetry and beauty of Einsteins theory and Milliken's experiments and how it all fits into physical theory. As much a intricate machine as it is a work of art.

[markfarrugia]

One of the best physics you tube channels

[baruchben-david]

Quick correction at 0:42 - Einstein published his papers in 1905, not 1805.

[lionel]

A perfect combinaison of history and science. It is always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[FTLRecords]

Hello sir thanks a lot for the videos. I have watched you previous videos and learnt a lot.

[Skellborn]

Next comes the compton effect? I love this series! It goex exactly along our quantum physicsclass, but in WAY more (awesome!) details regarding the difficulty of the measurements and all the historical stuff (which i love).

[kushagra]

Are you slowly building up to all of quantum mechanics from a historical point of view? Cause that would be GREAT!

[miwakuuu]

please don't die, I like your videos so much keep making more