Nikola Tesla’s contributions to modern physics
This paper forms a theory based on Nikola Tesla’s contributions to modern physics. Tesla was an outstanding physician who revolutionized the worldwith his contributions. He had over 100 patents and numerous unpatented innovations(Burgan 2009). . His concepts are still applicable in the modern day world in electrical appliances such as radios and TVs. Besides, his idea on the Alternating Current (AC) formed the basis of safe home and public lighting. Tesla is one of the most renowned scientists in physics. It is on tesla’s contributions that this paper forms a contextual theory and establishes a causal and effect relationship.
According to Metcalfe, the overuse of some words has resulted to erosion of their meaning such that some words are necessary to clarify the meanings of these overused words. In addition, Metcalfe state that the meaning of the word theory depends on the contextual discipline or field. Interpretation of theory in one field is totally different from the interpretation in another field altogether. Similarly, different researchers have varying interpretations of theory. Metcalfe therefore concludes by stating that even basic words like theory lack a clear definition from researchers and those in authority. It is because of this reason that Metcalfe proposes establishing meaning of words based on the viewpoint of the phenomenon under scrutiny.
Tesla’s theories exhibited some of the characteristics of theories as defined by various scholars. According to Burgan (2009), Tesla’s Theory of Gravity explained the relationship between gravitational force and electromagnetism. This theory provided a model that unified all other fundamental forces such as matter and energy. This theory aimed by explaining and distinguishing the idea of space curving and space timing. Tesla proposal that gravity has field effects made researchers to critique his work. Tesla’ theory attempted to solve the problem of transmission of high frequency and voltage current. This theory provided knowledge on electromagnetic forces and mechanical movements caused by electromagnetic forces acting through the media. However, Tesla did not test this theory nor publish it by the time of his death. Tesla work on dynamic gravity epitomizes classical theories since it had all the characteristics of theories, though it never underwent the final enactment stage.
Theory
The word theory has various meanings depending on the phenomenon under consideration and the discipline. Weick (1999) explained a theory as a structure that describes relationships or connections in the phenomenon under consideration. According to him, a theory tries to solve a problem. Eisenhardt (1989) describes a theory as a reasonably coherent brief explanation of a phenomenon. She adds that a theory must be testable to provide evidence. Markus (2002) provided the most simplistic definition of a theory. He stated that a theory is a connection between two ideas. In addition, theory explains why/how things occur. According to Gregor (2002), theories are models, knowledge or frameworks. She argued that theories must include generalizations and a causal relationship between variables.
Praxis
According to Poizat (2000), praxis is the process through which a theory develops until its acceptance or enactment. Tesla developed his theories through the normal theorizing process and later became universally accepted. One such theory is his free power theory and the Tesla generator. Tesla developed this theory while working at the Westinghouse. The free power theory bases its framework on the meaning of theory as an explanation of a phenomenon or a group of facts that clarifies a phenomenon. According to this definition, theory is a hypothesis confirmed through observation. Tesla’s theory on free power provided explanations on air transmission without connecting to grid. According to his explanations, all that was necessary was a receptor that collected the power and transferred it to bulbs and electrical appliances in houses. The final stage of this theory praxis process occurred when Tesla transmitted millions of electricity volts over a distance of 26 miles. The electricity operated a bank of bulbs thus, confirmed Tesla’s theory.
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is aneducated guess of a phenomenon that is yet to be confirmed. Theories develop from a hypothesis or a model. A hypothesis tries to explain the effect of a variable on another or clarifies the current occurrence of a situation without proven solutions. A hypothesis can either be correct or incorrect. Hypothesis must be based on factual information about the phenomenon of interest. All models must have hypothesis since they aim to solve a particular problem.
Dependent variable
Dependent variable is a statistics of interest being influenced by the independent variable. These variables are also known as the endogenous variables since the model determines their values. The model structure must be accurate and based on logical theoretical framework in order to achieve correct results.
Independent variable
Independent variables are also known as the exogenous variables since they are statistics whose values are given outside the model. They are not of interest to the researcher but are critically important in achieving the desired results. The theory’s framework or model determines the number of exogenous variables used.
Antecedent variable
It is a variable used at specific time point that explains a variation in the dependent and independent variables. They explain the relationship between variables in a causal and effect relationships such as during a regression analysis.
Intervening variable
This is a variable that results due to the independent variable and determines the dependent variable. These variables act as intermediary variables between the dependent and independent variables.
Elimination of alternatives explanations
This refers to application of logical reasoning to rule out some explanations in order to remain with the correct details. It involves eliminating the most unlikely explanations then critically examining the remaining options. This method is important because it reduces the risk of arriving at a wrong conclusion or explanation.
Confounding Variable
These are variables that are not of interest to the researcher but that is correlated with the independent variables thus affects the independent variable. These variables may result to wrong conclusions since the obtained result may be due to changes of the confounding but not the independent variables.
Empirical generalizations
This refers to formation of conclusions based on the results obtained from the theory without finer details. Empirical generalization may involve the relationships between variables without finer effects of the causality of the relationship. The researcher makes generalizations from the results of the model.
Deductive reasoning
This refers to working from a general information then developing specific conclusions. It involves a researcher developing specific hypotheses from the general theory. The researcher then narrows down to making observations from specific data that leads to a conclusion of the general theory. This type of reasoning is often referred to as “top-down” approach.
Inductive reasoning
It is the opposite of deductive reasoning since it involves using specific observations to make general conclusions and theories. The researcher observes specific behaviors or measurements then detects patterns in order to formulate hypotheses that might lead to general theories. This type of reasoning is sometimes referred to as “bottom up” approach.
References
Burgan, M. (2009). Nikola Tesla: Physicist, inventor, electrical engineer. Minneapolis, Min: Compass Point Books.
Poizat, B. (2000). A course in model theory: An introduction to contemporary mathematical logic. New York, NY: Springer.
