Who is known as the father of modern physics?

Albert Einstein is recognized as the father of modern physics primarily due to his groundbreaking contributions that fundamentally changed our understanding of the physical universe. His theories, especially the theory of relativity, revolutionized concepts of space, time, and energy. The special theory of relativity introduced the famous equation E=mc², which describes the equivalence of mass and energy, and the general theory of relativity provided a new way of understanding gravity, viewing it as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass.

In contrast, while Isaac Newton laid the groundwork for classical mechanics and is known for his laws of motion and universal gravitation, his work is often categorized under classical physics rather than modern physics. Niels Bohr contributed significantly to the understanding of atomic structure and quantum theory, which are essential to modern physics, but his work built on the foundations established by earlier scientists, including Einstein. Galileo Galilei is often considered the father of modern observational science for his contributions to astronomy and physics, but he predates the modern physics era represented by Einstein. Thus, Einstein's revolutionary ideas and their implications for the field firmly establish him as the pivotal figure in modern physics.