5 Physics Equations Carved Beautifully On Monuments
Wonderful pieces of art and architecture that portray fundamental equations of science
One of the most amazing things about equations of any kind is that they can explain some of the most complicated physical phenomena of the universe within an inch or two of a line (exceptions exist). From as long as Einstein’s mass-energy equivalence relation that shows the inter-conversion property of mass and energy, to the Schrodinger’s equation in quantum mechanics that explains the fundamental nature of elementary particles, equations have a significant importance in physics and mathematics. Equations that are very well established and scientifically and mathematically proven and accurate are the stepping stones for us to understand the universe. These are formed over the course of hundreds of years through rigorous work, experimentation, and analysis of several physicists and mathematicians. Euler’s formula, for example, is one of the most profound and beautiful equation of mathematics that involves all the fundamental operations of math.
Dirac equation, formulated by theoretical physicist Paul Dirac, is one of the most profound equation in physics as it predicted the existence of anti-matter, the matter that incorporates particles having same mass as ordinary matter but opposite in charge (and certain other differences exist in terms of quantum numbers). This is the equation which can potentially explain why the universe is the way it is, and why does it have such an asymmetry in terms of matter and antimatter.
“Sciences provide an understanding of a universal experience, Arts are a universal understanding of a personal experience… they are both a part of us and a manifestation of the same thing… the arts and sciences are avatars of human creativity.”
— Mae Jemison
In this story, I shall share with you some of the most beautiful architectural monuments that have been carved with wonderful equations of physics.
Boltzmann’s Entropy Formula
One of the most eye-catching graves in Vienna is of physicist Ludwig Boltzmann’s. Boltzmann was an Austrian physicist who’s had significant contributions to statistical mechanics. He is also popularly known for providing the current definition of entropy, an important element in thermodynamical studies. The equation of entropy is carved alongside his statue on the cemetery.
Maxwell’s Equations of Electromagnetism
James Clerk Maxwell is one of the most significant physicists of all time. Arguably the greatest after Newton. He is best known for formulating a set of partial differential equations which combine electricity and magnetism. The practical applications of those equations can be evidently seen in pretty much every technological and electrical advancement. In the above image, Maxwell’s equations are beautifully portrayed outside the wall of University of Warsaw Library in Poland.
Dirac Equation on the floor of Westminster Abbey
London, Westminster Abbey is the place that resides the monumental memories of some of the important personalities of human history. In this particular image, a one-inch equation can be seen on the floor of Westminster Abbey. The equation is Dirac equation, formulated by 20th century theoretical physicist Paul Dirac. Dirac equation is one of the first of its kind that reconciles general relativity with quantum mechanics. The equation also predicted the existence of antimatter.
Mass-energy equivalence relation in Sintra
Situated in Lustgarten, Museum Island in Berlin, this monument of one of the heaviest among this list showcasing, arguably, the most famous equation in science. The mass-energy equivalence relation provided by Albert Einstein revolutionized the history of physics in the early 1900s. The two tons sculpture of the equation is kept alongside other majestic sculptural designs created by Scholz and Friends during the 2006 Football World Cup.
KMS condition on a monument
Kubo–Martin–Schwinger condition, also known as KMS condition describes the equilibrium state of thermodynamical system in quantum statistical mechanics. The equations of KMS condition or KMS state are portrayed beautifully on the walls of University of Warsaw, Centre of New Technologies. The wall also showcases other important equations in quantum mechanics like Schrödinger’s equation.
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