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Stephen Hawkin

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Stephen Hawking was a British theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author who achieved fame for his work on black holes and relativity. He was the Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at the University of Cambridge at the age of 32, the youngest person to hold the position. Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the age of 21, a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system. He was given only a few years to live, but he defied the odds and lived for over 50 years with the disease.

Hawking's work focused on theoretical cosmology and black holes. He made significant contributions to our understanding of the Big Bang and the nature of black holes. He also developed new theories about the origin of the universe and the possibility of time travel.

Hawking was a prolific writer and author of several popular science books, including A Brief History of Time, which has sold over 10 million copies worldwide. He was also a vocal advocate for people with disabilities and was a symbol of hope and inspiration for millions around the world.

Hawking died in 2018 at the age of 76. He was a brilliant scientist and a powerful advocate for people with disabilities. He showed the world that anything is possible if you never give up on your dreams.

How can the word be used?

The book "A Brief History of Time" was written by Stephen Hawking and explores the origins and future of the universe.

Stephen Hawkin

Different forms of the word

Stephen Hawking is a proper noun.

Etymology

The name "Stephen Hawking" does not have any etymological meaning. It is a compound name, made up of the name "Stephen" and the surname "Hawking".

The name "Stephen" is of Greek origin and means "crown". It was first used in English in the 12th century.

The surname "Hawking" is of English origin and means "hawker" or "dealer in hawks". It was first used in English in the 13th century.

Question

What is Stephen Hawking famous for?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Discuss the contributions of Stephen Hawking to our understanding of black holes and the nature of the universe. Explain how his work on Hawking radiation challenged conventional theories and its implications for our comprehension of these cosmic phenomena.

Answer:

Stephen Hawking, a renowned physicist, made groundbreaking contributions to our comprehension of black holes and the cosmos. His pioneering work on black holes led to the concept of Hawking radiation, a phenomenon that challenges traditional theories about black hole behaviour.

Hawking radiation proposes that black holes are not entirely black; rather, they emit radiation due to quantum effects near their event horizons. This discovery contradicted the long-held belief that nothing could escape a black hole's gravitational pull, suggesting that they could gradually lose mass over time.

Hawking's findings were revolutionary as they bridged the gap between quantum mechanics and general relativity, two fundamental branches of physics that had previously seemed incompatible. His work ignited new avenues of research, including investigations into the eventual evaporation and potential end states of black holes.

Hawking's insights transformed our understanding of these enigmatic cosmic entities, highlighting the intricate interplay between quantum effects and gravitational forces. His legacy continues to inspire scientists to explore the frontiers of theoretical physics and uncover the mysteries of the universe.