- Principle of Buoyancy (Archimedes’ Principle): Archimedes is perhaps most famous for formulating the principle of buoyancy, also known as Archimedes’ Principle. According to this law, an object submerged in a fluid experiences an upward force equal to the weight of the displaced fluid. This discovery came about when Archimedes was tasked with determining whether a crown made for King Hiero II was forged with pure gold. He famously discovered the principle while stepping into a bath, which led him to shout "Eureka!" in excitement.
- Mathematical Innovations: Archimedes made significant strides in geometry, including the calculation of areas and volumes of various shapes. He developed methods for determining the area of a circle, the volume of a sphere, and the surface area of a cylinder. His work on the measurement of pi (π) was also groundbreaking, as he approximated the value of pi with remarkable accuracy using a method of inscribed and circumscribed polygons.
- The Archimedean Screw: Archimedes is credited with inventing the Archimedean screw, a device used for raising water for irrigation and drainage. This invention, still in use today in various forms, revolutionized water management techniques, particularly in agriculture.
- Compound Pulley and Other Engineering Feats: Archimedes made significant advances in mechanical engineering, including the invention of the compound pulley system, which allowed for more efficient lifting of heavy objects. He also worked on catapults and other war machines during the Siege of Syracuse, which helped defend the city from Roman forces. shutdown123
Archimedes’ Early Contributions and Key Discoveries
Archimedes was born in 287 BCE in the Greek city of Syracuse (in present-day Sicily). His intellectual curiosity and innovative thinking led him to make groundbreaking contributions in many areas. Some of his most notable achievements include: