ChrisW




 * // RELAFRIGGENTIVITY //**

Since 1915, Einstein's Theory of Relativity has positively impacted society by expanding our scientific and technological knowledge in the areas of nuclear energy, cosmology and black holes, and global positioning systems, more commonly known as GPS.  **Einstein's Theory of Relativity is split into two parts:**  ** Special Relativity and General Relativity **    **Special Relativity**  //Example// - Is the train moving, or is the station moving? This is all relative to the frame of reference of the observer.
 *   The theory of special relativity refers to the principle that motion cannot be attributed to one frame of reference. However, all motion is relative between the observer and light (300,000 km/sec).
 * General Relativity**
 * In his theory of general relativity, Einstein claims that acceleration is relative as well and that gravity and acceleration are indistinguishable.

//Example// - The observer standing at rest on earth and a man on a pogostick would experience the same gravity even though their accelerations are different. This is because relative to the pogostick, the pogoman is actually at rest and the world is accelerating around him.


 * Nuclear Energy**  According to the theory of special relativity, when mass disappears, energy is lost and must be replaced in some other way, such as a nuclear fission process. Also, even when the mass is at rest, there is still energy present in the system, because mass and energy are interchangeable (Theory: Special Relativity (SLAC VVC)). So for example in a nuclear explosion, the initial energy of the mass is replaced by the little bits of the bomb which have a slightly smaller mass but have more kinetic and thermal energies. Einstein's theory of E = mc2 is derived from his theory of special relativity and is the fundamental core of nuclear research (Relativity). This research has lead to discoveries that have powered many homes extremely efficiently.

**Cosmology and Black Holes** Without the theory of relativity, the knowledge of black holes wouldnt even exist. We now have the knowledge that strong gravitational fields have the ablility "to bend light as it passes through the warped space near a massive object" (Curious About Astronomy? The Theory of Relativity). Black holes are defined as forces of gravitation so strong that even light cannot escape them. Other astronomical benefits gained from the theory of relativity were that curved time may exist. Essentially, as an object approaches a large mass its time slows down due to the general theory of relativity and gravitation. In a black hole, the gravity is so strong that the object would appear to freeze and fade away. Also, light gets bluer the closer it is to large masses and redder the farther away it gets.
 * 

Global Positioning Systems ** Though the theory of relativity does not exactly apply on the surface of Earth, it has been remarkably useful for global position systems and the satellite technology involved in creating them. The theory of relativity can be applied to the curved globe however, because it affects the distance and especially the direction traveled as opposed to a straight line (Curious About Astronomy? The Theory of Relativity). In space, satellites have a different reference of time due to the curved nature of space-time there compared to the surface of the earth. Therefore, the theory of relativity is used to provide the most accurate and precise navigation systems, whereas without it, GPS would be a complete fluke. This allowed satellities to correctly supply GPS to societies around the world.

Overall, it is due to the theory of relativity that positive advances such as nuclear energy, black holes, and GPS systems have been added to our world's technology and scientific societies. In the future, further expansions upon the theory will continue to benefit mankind for many generations to come.


 * Works Cited:**

"Curious About Astronomy? The Theory of Relativity." __Curious About Astronomy? Ask an Astronomer__. 21 Mar. 2008. 5 Feb. 2009 <http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/relativity.php>. A person could gain a fairly general analysis of the theory of relativity, both special and general. In addition, there is an excellent analogy in a picture of the United States. It is a credible site, because it waxs written and maintained by the professional astronomers at Cornell University.

"Theory: Special Relativity (SLAC VVC)." __SLAC Public Website Server__. 31 Oct. 2008. 5 Feb. 2009 <http://www2.slac.stanford.edu/vvc/theory/relativity.html>.

A person could learn a very detailed analysis of one of the two parts of Einstein's Theory of Relativity called Special Relativity. This focuses on particles in reference to the speed of light. it is a credible source, because it was written and is operated by the up to date scientists at Stanford and SLAC laboratories.

"Relativity." __World Book at NASA__. 29 Nov. 2007. 5 Feb. 2008 [|www.nasa.gov/worldbook/relativity_worldbook.html].

This site is a highly useful website full of information about many different aspects of relativity. It's credible, because it is written and maintained by the top of the field experts at NASA. <span style="display: block; color: #f52624; font-family: 'Comic Sans MS', cursive; text-align: center;">