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Zhang Heng

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Definition

Zhang Heng was a Chinese polymath who lived in the Eastern Han dynasty. He was a scientist, engineer, inventor, astronomer, and writer.

Zhang Heng is best known for his invention of the seismoscope, which was used to detect earthquakes. He also invented a water clock, a hygrometer, and a compass.

Zhang Heng was a brilliant scientist and engineer. His inventions were ahead of their time and made significant contributions to the development of science and technology.

Zhang Heng was also a scholar and writer. He wrote a number of books on a variety of subjects, including astronomy, mathematics, and geography.

Zhang Heng was a major figure in Chinese science and technology. His inventions and writings had a profound impact on the development of these fields.

How can the word be used?

Zhang Heng's armillary sphere was an astronomical instrument invented by Zhang Heng in 125 AD.

Zhang Heng

Different forms of the word

Noun:

Zhang Heng (a Chinese polymathic scientist and statesman who lived during the Han dynasty).

Etymology

The word "Zhang Heng" is a Chinese name. It is made up of the characters "Zhang" (张) and "Heng" (衡). The character "Zhang" means "to extend" or "to spread", and the character "Heng" means "balance" or "equilibrium".

The name "Zhang Heng" can be translated as "extending balance" or "spreading equilibrium". This is a reference to Zhang Heng's contributions to science and engineering, which helped to extend knowledge and understanding of the world.

Question

What is Zhang Heng famous for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Describe the contributions of Zhang Heng to the field of science, particularly in the realm of ancient Chinese inventions. Discuss one of his notable inventions or discoveries and its impact on scientific understanding during his time.

Answer:

Zhang Heng was a remarkable Chinese polymath who made significant contributions to various fields, including astronomy, mathematics, and engineering during the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220 CE). One of his notable inventions was the "seismoscope," an ingenious device designed to detect and indicate the occurrence of distant earthquakes.

Zhang Heng's seismoscope was an early example of a seismograph, which he crafted around 132 CE. It consisted of a large bronze vessel adorned with eight dragon heads, each holding a ball in its mouth. Below the dragons, there were eight open-mouthed frogs, each positioned facing a different cardinal direction. When an earthquake occurred, a mechanism within the device was triggered by the shaking. The ball held by a dragon would fall into the open mouth of a frog, indicating the direction of the seismic activity.

This invention demonstrated Zhang Heng's keen understanding of engineering and his ability to apply scientific principles to practical problems. While his seismoscope did not have the precision of modern seismographs, it was a remarkable achievement for its time and highlighted his advanced scientific thinking.

Zhang Heng's contributions expanded beyond his seismoscope, encompassing innovations in astronomy, cartography, and more. His legacy continues to inspire curiosity and exploration in the field of science, showcasing the enduring impact of ancient thinkers on our understanding of the natural world.