KNOWLEDGE AND IMAGINATION Imagination based on reliable knowledge and relevant inputs is the basis of great discoveries in science. Einstein knew of the constancy of the velocity of light in vacuum as an experimental fact, and he knew of length contraction work of Lorentz, then a bit of reflection and little bit of imagination told him how to remove the contradiction between classical mechanics and classical electromagnetism keeping the known facts in mind so that the data could also be incorporated and explained. This lead to the 4-dimensional notion of space-time, and to relativity of time and space, and combining of momentum-energy into a 4-vector etc. leading to further novel possibilities and newer visions. In the same way Heisenberg knew of the experiments in spectroscopy which could not be explained. He knew of the mathematical objects called matrices. A little bit of imagination told him that using matrices instead of simple numbers could explain the spectroscopy data. In this way Matrix Mechanics was born which was the start of Quantum Mechanics. In doing science man throws robes to capture the reality of nature which is subtle and hidden from the superficial view. That is why the scientists are admired for their skill and the ways they throw this robe so that the subtleties of reality are brought in the grasp of man, little by little, as we progress. It would be frivolous to suggest that you could just arrive at Relativity and Quantum Mechanics without knowing the relevant facts of Physics which could form the basis and/or which required to be explained. Imagination is important and so is knowledge; each has its role to play.I advise my young friends to gather as much knowledge as they can for it is also said Knowledge is Power.!
Posted on: Sat, 17 Jan 2015 05:06:27 +0000
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