In this paper on the photoelectric effect, Einstein revolutionised our understanding of light (and therefore by implication of space time) by suggesting that light could be understood as moving quanta of energy (now called photons) or particles. He offered this theory of light as complementary to, rather than destructive of, the traditional (Newtonian) theory of light as a wave form which had proved so effective in explaining reflection, refraction and diffraction. [Cf. “Complementarity Principle”] The paper lays the basis for the modern understanding of matter as comprising atoms which themselves comprise sub-atom particles whose mass and velocity constitute their material nature. [Cf. “Quantum Theory]. See our record in the People table under the author's name and the entry under…

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Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Über einen die Erzeugung und Verwandlung des Lichtes betreffenden heuristischen Gesichtpunkt". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 28 October 2000 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=8521, accessed 03 December 2024.]