Who was Daniel Bernoulli? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Daniel Bernovllivs

Died At Age: 82

Family:

father: Johann Bernoulli

siblings: Nicolaus II Bernoulli

Physicists Mathematicians

Died on: March 17, 1782

place of death: Basel

More Facts

education: University of Basel

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1

What is Bernoulli's principle and how does it relate to fluid dynamics?

Bernoulli's principle states that in a flowing fluid, an increase in the speed of the fluid occurs simultaneously with a decrease in pressure or a decrease in the fluid's potential energy. This principle is often used to explain the behavior of fluids in motion, such as in the case of airplane wings generating lift.
2

How did Daniel Bernoulli contribute to the field of mathematics and physics?

Daniel Bernoulli was a Swiss mathematician and physicist who made significant contributions to various areas of mathematics and physics. He is best known for his work on fluid dynamics, including the development of Bernoulli's principle, which describes the relationship between the speed of a fluid and its pressure.
3

What is the Bernoulli equation and how is it used in fluid mechanics?

The Bernoulli equation is a fundamental equation in fluid mechanics that relates the pressure, velocity, and height of a fluid at different points along a streamline. It is based on the principle of conservation of energy and is commonly used to analyze the behavior of fluids in motion, such as in pipes, pumps, and aircraft.
4

How did Daniel Bernoulli's work influence the field of aerodynamics?

Daniel Bernoulli's work on fluid dynamics and the development of Bernoulli's principle had a significant impact on the field of aerodynamics. His insights into the relationship between fluid speed and pressure helped scientists and engineers better understand the behavior of airfoils, wings, and other aerodynamic surfaces.
5

What are some practical applications of Bernoulli's principle in everyday life?

Bernoulli's principle has numerous practical applications in everyday life, including in the design of airplane wings, carburetors in cars, and even in the operation of atomizers and medical devices like nebulizers. The principle helps explain phenomena such as lift, drag, and the behavior of fluids in motion.

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Childhood & Early Life

Daniel Bernoulli was born on February 8, 1700, in Groningen, Netherlands, to Johann Bernoulli, a mathematician who was one of the early developers of calculus. He had two brothers, Nicolaus Bernoulli II and Johann Bernoulli II.

He belonged to a family of distinguished mathematicians who later immigrated to Basel, Switzerland.

He wanted to become a mathematician but his father encouraged him to pursue a business career. At the age of 13, his father sent him to Basel University to study philosophy and logic. In 1715, he completed his graduation and a year later obtained his Master’s degree.

After that, upon his father’s wishes, he agreed to study medicine on the condition that his father would teach him mathematics privately. Daniel studied medicine in Basel, Heidelberg, and Strasbourg, and earned a doctorate in anatomy and botany in 1721.

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Career

In 1723-24, he published one of his earliest mathematical works titled ‘Exercitationes quaedam Mathematicae’ (Mathematical Exercises). It focused on differential equations and the physics of flowing water.

In 1724, he was appointed the professor of mathematics at St. Petersburg academy of sciences, a post he served in for eight years. In 1733, after a temporary illness, he resigned from his post and returned to Basel.

In 1732, he became a professor of botany and anatomy at the University of Basel and later, accepted a post in physiology in 1743.

In 1738, he discussed the basis of the kinetic theory of gases in his work ‘Hydrodynamica’, which dealt with the properties of basic importance in fluid flow, particularly pressure, density, and velocity, and emphasized on their fundamental relationship.

Subsequently, he came out with his most important work called ‘Bernoulli’s principle’, which states that the pressure in a fluid decreases as its velocity increases.In 1750, after being appointed to the chair of physics at the University; he served as the professor of physics for the next 26 years.

He also published numerous papers dealing with mechanics which mainly focused on the problems connected with vibrating strings. He worked with Euler on elasticity as well as on the development of the Euler-Bernoulli beam equation.

He also authored the ‘Specimen theoriae novae de mensura sortis (Exposition of a New Theory on the Measurement of Risk)’ which is the basis of economic theory of risk aversion, risk premium and utility.

His later works comprised of statistics and probability. His last work involved the application of probability theory to various practical matters, such as inoculation and relative proportion of male and female births.

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Major Works

His most remarkable work was the ‘Bernoulli’s theorem’, related to the field of hydrodynamics. It states, in effect, that the total mechanical energy of the flowing fluid, comprising the energy associated with fluid pressure, the gravitational potential energy of elevation, and the kinetic energy of fluid motion, remains constant. The theorem still forms the basis of many engineering applications, such as aircraft wing design.

He also established the basis for the kinetic theory of gases and heat by demonstrating that the impact of molecules on a surface would explain pressure and that, assuming the constant, random motion of molecules, pressure and motion increase with temperature.

Awards & Achievements

Between 1725 and 1749, he received 10 prizes from the Paris Academy of Sciences for his contributions in the field of astronomy, gravity, tides, magnetism, ocean currents, and the behavior of ships at sea.

In May 1750, he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Society.

Personal Life & Legacy

In 1735, he, along with his father, was jointly awarded by the University of Paris for their work on planetary orbits. But his father, who thought of himself as much superior to his son, threw Daniel out of the house for being treated as equal to him.

He died on March 17, 1782, in Basel, Switzerland.

Facts About Daniel Bernoulli

Daniel Bernoulli was not only a mathematician and physicist, but also a talented musician who played the harpsichord.

He was known for his adventurous spirit and love for travel, often exploring new places and cultures throughout his life.

Bernoulli had a great sense of humor and enjoyed sharing jokes and witty anecdotes with his friends and colleagues.

Despite his scientific achievements, he also had a passion for art and literature, and collected rare books and paintings.

In addition to his academic work, Bernoulli was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various charitable causes and initiatives in his community.

Daniel Bernoulli Biography

You wanted to know

What is Bernoulli's principle and how does it relate to fluid dynamics?

How did Daniel Bernoulli contribute to the field of mathematics and physics?

What is the Bernoulli equation and how is it used in fluid mechanics?

How did Daniel Bernoulli's work influence the field of aerodynamics?

What are some practical applications of Bernoulli's principle in everyday life?