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Einstein’s 1921 Nobel Prize specifically recognized his law of the photoelectric effect.

The Claim

Albert Einstein won the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his theory of general relativity.

Verified by Lenz ·

The Short Version

Einstein received the 1921 physics prize, but not for general relativity. The official Nobel citation recognized his services to theoretical physics, especially his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect. Historical records indicate that relativity was deliberately omitted from the award rationale.

Caveats

  • The broad phrase “services to theoretical physics” does not establish that general relativity was an award basis.
  • Einstein’s fame for relativity should not be confused with the Nobel Committee’s stated rationale.
  • The 1921 prize was awarded in 1922 after the selection was deferred.

The Receipts

  1. Albert Einstein – Questions and answers - NobelPrize.org

    nobelprize.org

  2. Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 - Presentation Speech - NobelPrize.org

    nobelprize.org

  3. The Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 - NobelPrize.org

    web.archive.org

  4. The 100th Anniversary of Einstein's Nobel Prize: Facts and Fiction

    onlinelibrary.wiley.com

  5. The 100th Anniversary of Einstein’s Nobel Prize: Facts and

    d-nb.info

  6. The 100th Anniversary of Einstein's Nobel Prize: Facts and Fiction

    doi.org

  7. The Nobel Prize in Physics 1921 - NobelPrize.org

    nobelprize.org

  8. Albert Einstein – Facts - NobelPrize.org

    nobelprize.org

  9. Award Ceremony Speech

    web.archive.org

  10. "Einstein was convinced he would get it at some point" - Sweden Abroad

    swedenabroad.se

+ 8 more sources — see the full list on Lenz

Filed Under

Albert EinsteinNobel Prize In PhysicsTheory Of General Relativity

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