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Mária Telkes

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Definition

Mária Telkes was a Hungarian-American physicist and inventor who is known for her work on solar energy. She developed a solar cooker that could be used to cook food in remote areas without electricity. She also developed a solar water heater that could be used to heat homes and businesses.

Telkes was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1900. She was interested in science from a young age, and she studied physics at the University of Budapest. She earned her PhD in 1934, and she then began working on solar energy research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Telkes's solar cooker was a breakthrough invention. It used mirrors to concentrate the sun's energy, and it could cook food in just a few minutes. Her solar water heater was also a success. It used the sun's energy to heat water, and it could be used to heat homes and businesses.

Telkes's work on solar energy was groundbreaking. She helped to make solar energy a viable option for cooking and heating, and she inspired many other scientists to work on solar energy research.

Telkes was also a role model for women in science. She was a successful scientist in a male-dominated field, and she showed that women could be just as successful as men in science.

Telkes's legacy is immense. She is remembered as one of the most important pioneers of solar energy, and her work continues to have a major impact on our lives today.

How can the word be used?

In the 1940s, Telkes worked on developing solar thermal collectors for use in homes and businesses. She also developed a solar-powered refrigerator.

Mária Telkes

Different forms of the word

The word "Mária Telkes" is a proper noun, so it does not have any different forms.

Etymology

The name Maria is of Latin origin, and it comes from the word "Maria", which means "dear" or "beloved". The name Telkes is possibly derived from the German word "Töltes" or the Hungarian word "Telkes", both of which mean "full" or "saturated".

Maria is one of the most common female names in the world. The name Maria has inspired many famous women, such as Mary Magdalene, Mary Magdalene, Maria Theresa, and Queen Mary.

Question

What is Mária Telkes famous for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Discuss the significant contributions of Mária Telkes to the field of solar energy and her role in developing solar thermal technology. How did her innovative work pave the way for the utilisation of solar energy in practical applications and contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions?

Answer:

Mária Telkes made remarkable strides in the field of solar energy, particularly in the advancement of solar thermal technology. Her pioneering work demonstrated the potential of harnessing solar power for practical applications. Telkes is widely known for her creation of the first solar-powered heating system that provided residential heating through the use of solar energy-absorbing materials and heat storage units.

One of Telkes' most notable achievements was her invention of the "chemical heat pump." This device converted solar energy into heat energy by using a chemical reaction to store and release thermal energy as needed. Her innovative approach allowed for a consistent heat supply even when the sun wasn't shining, making solar energy a viable solution for heating.

Telkes' contributions laid the foundation for modern solar thermal technologies, including solar water heaters and solar-powered air conditioning systems. Her work played a pivotal role in expanding the practical applications of solar energy, promoting its use as a sustainable and renewable energy source.

In summary, Mária Telkes' groundbreaking work in solar thermal technology revolutionised the way we harness and utilise solar energy. Her innovations have had a lasting impact on the field of renewable energy, driving the development of eco-friendly solutions and paving the way for a more sustainable future.