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On the Movement of Small Particles Suspended in Stationary Liquids Required by the Molecular-Kinetic Theory of Heat External

This is the second paper published by Einstein in his miracle year, in which he provided a theoretical explanation for Brownian motion and offered strong evidence for the existence of atoms, which, at the time, was still controversial among scientists.

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Summary

Brownian motion refers to the random, jittery movement of tiny particles suspended in liquids, such as pollen grains floating on water. This strange motion had been observed for decades, but no one could explain it. Einstein showed that these visible particles were being jostled by countless, invisible molecules of the liquid, which were constantly in motion. By analyzing this effect mathematically, Einstein provided a way to predict how the particles would behave based on the size of the molecules and the temperature of the liquid. His work turned the abstract idea of atoms into something real and measurable, helping to convince scientists that matter is indeed made up of tiny, invisible particles.

This paper not only provided a theoretical explanation for a long-standing puzzle but also offered one of the most convincing arguments for the reality of atoms and molecules. His work helped transform atomic theory from a speculative idea into a cornerstone of modern science. The paper’s predictions were soon confirmed by experiments, cementing Einstein’s role in shaping the foundations of statistical mechanics and paving the way for new advances in physics, chemistry, and beyond.

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