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The Theory of Relativity

Einstein published his theory of special relativity in 1905 and published his theory of general relativity ten years later. He is one of the most inluential thinkers in the 20th century. His ideas have forever changed our way of thinking. His name is taught to elementary school children across the country as a potential role model (Arora). Einsten's special theory of relativity describes the mostion of particles moveing a speeds close to the speed of light (Special Relativity). The theory is based on two easily understood principles. The first is that "The speed of light is the same for all observers, no matter what their relative speeds." (Special Relativity). The second is that "The laws of physics are the same in any inertial (that is, non-accelerated) frame of reference. This means that the laws of physics observed by a hypothetical observer traveling with a relativistic particle must be the same as those observed by an observer who is stationary in the laboratory." (Special Relativity). Although these principles seem simple at first, they become more complicated. Our society hea greatly benefited for Einstein's theories. Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity has greatly impacted our society today by allowing us to use GPS syetems, utilize nuclear energy technology and change our view of the universe.

GPS GPS systems are easily recognizable in today's society. GPS systems guide thousands of people to their destinations each day. Every peorson that uses one dpends on the accuarcy and precision needed to determine the location of their destination. Many people may not know it, but the theory of relativity is essential to the way that a GPS system works. These systems would not work if the theory of relativity did not exist. The GPS system that we use to day operates using a system of 24 satellites in orbit around the earth each with an altitiude of about 20,000 km from the ground (Pogge). These satelliets are positioned so that there are at least 4 visible from any position on the earth at any one time, with a maximum of 12 visible at one time (Pogge). Each satellite is equiped with an atomic clock that are always within the an accuracy of 1 nanosecond. These satellites are able to determine your exact position (within 5-10 meters) (Pogge). According to general relativity, clocks closer to a massive objets tick slower than those farther away. The clocks on the satellites must tick 38 microseconds faster than those on the ground in order to maintain prescision. If these clocks did not do this, errors in global position would accumulate to about 10 kilometers per day (Pogge).

Nuclear Energy One of the most important technologies that has stemed form the theory of relativity is nuclear energy. As the years go by, our natural resources will eventually run out. We depend greatly on fossil fuels and other similar sources. Nuclear energy has helped break our dependency on fossil fuels by providing a different source of energy. Nuclear technology has helped change history. From the use of the atomic bomb in World War II, or the nuclear armsrace in the Coldwar, nuclear energy has left its mark in history. Einstein discovered and applied the equation E=mc² in the creation of the atomic bomb (Arora). He discovered that he could produce mass amounts of energy from nuclear reactions. Today, nuclear energy is being used to suppy power to places all over the counrty, while providing a clean source of energy. With non-renewable resources depleting, nuclear energy will be an important part of our future. Impacts on Society The most important effect that the theory of relativity has had on our society is how it has changed our view of space, gravity, and time. The theory of relativity changes how we interpret gravity. "According to Einstein, gravity is not a //force// which pulls on things; rather, it is a //curvature// of space and time caused by the presence of a nearby massive object (like the Earth)" (The Theory of Relativity). When an object moves by a massive object, it seems to be pulled in towards the object, but in reality, it is traveling along the same straight path. The path will appear to be curved because gravity ha warped the space-time continuum (The Theory of Relativity). Also predicted by the theory of relativity is "curved-time", that is, that time moves slower nearer to a massive object, and faster farther away (The Theory of Relativity). By using the theory of realtivity, one can also determine the consistency of the speed of light. By examining Albert Eistein's theories, our entire view of the universe has changed

Conclusion The world would not be the same as it is today if it were not for Albert Einstein and the developement of the theory of relativity. The theory of relativity has forever impacted our society by allowing us to use GPS systems, create energy, and widen our understanding of the cosmos. The use GPS would not be possible if the theory of relativity did not exist. Also, Einstein has helped us in solving our energy needs. einstien's theories have helped us to further understand the universe we live in and help stimulate new ideas about the universe. The furture is bright, and we must continue to use Einstien's theories to further advance our society.

Works Cited

Arora, Hans. "Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science?." __Science in Society__ 4 Feb 2009 http://scienceinsociety.northwestern.edu/content/articles/2008/research-digest/student-papers/einstein/einstein2019s-theory-of-relativity-implications-beyond-science.

//This website provides explanations to how the theory of relativity works. This website is for anyone who wishes to learn more about the theory of relativity. Explains E=mc² and how it works. The author of the site has the credentials to wtie the site.//

Brain, Marshall and Tom Harris. "How GPS Receivers Work ." __How Stuff Works__ 4 FEB 2009. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/gps-6.jpg&imgrefurl=http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/gps3.htm&usg=__b_ke0DkcX4qS-g70PFLCt6oiH0E=&h=320&w=400&sz=30&hl=en&start=10&tbnid=Ot_5nLXZi_H8aM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=124&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgps%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den.

//This site provides a picture of a GPS satellite orbiting Earth. It also has information on how the GPS works. Helpful to anyone who wants to see a picture of a satellite.//

Pogge, Richard W. "Real-World Relativity: The GPS Navigation System ." __The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy__ 4 Feb 2009 http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Unit5/gps.html.

//This webpage provides a wealth of information about how the theory of relativity relates to the GPS. Provides specifics on how the satellites work. This is a great site for anyone who wants to learn more about the way that GPS satellites work. The Author is a professor at the Ohio State University of Astronomy. Recent website.//

"Special Relativity." __Virtual Visitor Center__ 4 Feb 2009 http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/vvc/theory/relativity.html.

//Provides information about Einstein's theory of Special Relativity. This site is for those who want to know more about the special relativity theory. Gives in depth information on all aspects related to special relativity. Website is up to date and credible. It is run by Stanford.//

"The Theory of Relativity." __Cuious About Astronomy Ask An Astronomer__ 4 Feb 2009 http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/relativity.php.

//This site provides excellent analogies to concepts such as "curved space" and objects traveling at the speed of light. This site is a good choice for anyone that wants a simple explanation of how the concepts in the theory of relativity work. This site is credible and up to date. This site is run by Cornell.//