Experimenting Experimental Experiments

      Did you know that mankind has starting doing experiments since early as the 240 BC (before Christ)? Experimentation is one of the steps in the scientific method that arbitrates between competing models or hypotheses. Experimentation is also used to test existing theories or new hypotheses in order to support them or disprove them. Experiments are done by thousands of scientists on a daily basis usually to create a better future for the oncoming generation. The following paragraphs will elaborate more on the history, classification, and the benefits of scientific experiments.

      The history of scientific experimentation started off with many great scientists. One of them is the well known scientist, Albert Einstein, while best known for the theory of relativity (and specifically mass-energy equivalence, E=mc^2), he was awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his 1905 (Annus Mirabilis) explanation of the photoelectric effect and "for his services to Theoretical Physics". In popular culture, the name "Einstein" has become synonymous with great intelligence and genius. Einstein was named Time magazine's "Man of the Century." Other scientist like Francis Bacon, Galileo Galilei, Antoine Lavoisier and Louis Pasteur also contributed in science in their own specific fields. From there, many have started to take interest in experimenting. Till this very day, tons of people have started their own researches and experiments.

      There are many types of experiments and they can be classified based on their field. For example, the field of astronomy. The field of astronomy has been dominated by great scientists like Eratosthenes who obtained the measurement of the Earth's circumference, and Arno Penzias who detected the cosmic microwave background radiation, which provided support to the theory of the Big Bang. Besides astronomy, there are also the fields of Biology, Chemistry, Geology and many more. All conquered by outstanding people who seek a better understanding of the world and what the world can offer.

      Scientific experiments have benefited us since the dawn of time and will continue to do so for many generations to come. With an excellent experiment, we can obtain a better and cleaner environment. A less polluted world, where people can see beautiful clouds instead of thick layers of smoke. Useful gadgets and machinery will be built and designed to ease mankind’s day-to-day work. All these can help in restoring the beauty of our earth and help in creating a better future for oncoming generations.

      In conclusion, it is proven that scientific experimentation has helped mankind in providing a better and easier lifestyle. Thus, youth nowadays should be encouraged to learn techniques of experimenting. This would be useful, as it would generate new ideas, ideas that could help to save our precious Earth. Especially in this era, where global warming and earthquakes are rapidly increasing all over the world.

Mohamad Izzudin Bin Hussein Shah

17540

Mechanical Engineering