DariaK



** The status of the theory of relativity today **
 * Since the publishing of the theory of relativity in 1905, it still stands to be important and accurate today. **


 * T **here are two parts to Eintstein's theory of relativity which are special relativity and general relativity. Special relativity was published in 1905 and general relativity was published in 1915. The theory of special relativity is defined by the following:

" 1. The speed of light is the same for all observers, no matter what their relative speeds. 2. 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." (Theory: Special Relativity)




 * T **he two theories published by Einstein are now known as the fundamentals of modern physics. The famous E=mc^2 formula is related to special relativity and explains the relationship between mass and energy and how the speed of light effects it. General relativity was published in order to modify Newton's law of gravitation so it would fit with the theory of general relativity. To further his modifications and to eliminate the action at a distance from Newton's laws, Einstein came up with the principle of equivalence in which state that an object's gravitational mass is the same as it's inertial mass (Dine).

Impacts ** ** T ** he theory of relativity is used in everyday life today. An example of this would be the GPS systems we use on a daily basis. The synchronization of GPS satellites around the earth show the use of relativity. The accuracy of the theory can be seen through GPS systems and how affective they are. Nuclear power is another example that uses relativity. This energy source is helping our society to become less dependent on non-renewable energy sources. The need of production of nuclear energy shows how important the theory has become (Arora).


 * S** cientist have come to accept the theory to explain certain concepts. For example, in 1887 the Michelson-Morley experiment was done to show that Galileo's principle of relativity was incorrect. The two scientists, Albert A. Michelson and Edward W. Morley, did experiments on light rays. They were puzzled by the fact that the light in their experiment did act consistent to their experiment and the theory of Galileo. Many physicists tried to figure out why but failed. When Einstein came out with the theory of special relativity the mystery was solved. This theory also brought upon new predictions which were later proven by physicists (Dine).




 * E **instein's theory gave an explaination for other unexplainable phenomenon such as black holes which are objects that bend light to the point of it not being able to escape. The theory also proved how nothing can go faster than the speed of light. Einstein also used the theory to prove how gravity is not a force but that it is caused by the earth. He proved that the earth's gravity is not pulling on an object but that it is following a straight path that looks like it is curved because of the gravity warping the space-time continuum (The Theory of Relativity).


 * S **ince the theory of relativity is used on a daily basis it shows how highly important the theory is. It has solved many physics mysteries and challenged or modified old theories. The theory has proven it's accuracy through things such as GPS systems and explainations of black holes. Many experiments have been backing this theory up since it has been published. It is impossible to disregard the theory today since it is so much intacted within the scientific world. The theory itself has challenged us to accept something totally new and different in order to make certain unexplained phenomenon make sense.

**Works Cited:** Arora, Hans. "Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science? — Science in Society." __Science in Society__. 5 Feb. 2009 . (This website goes into the use of the theory of relativity within society. It talks about Einstein as well. This is credible because it is run by Northwestern University's department of science. )

Dine, Michael. "NASA - Relativity." __NASA__. 5 Feb. 2009  (This website covers theory of relativity and goes into the history of testing it. It goes into general relativity and the principle of equivalence as well. It covers mass-energy relationship. NASA is reliable because it is a wellknown scientific organization.)

"Magellan GPS » GPS Gazette - GPS Reviews." __GPS Gazette - GPS Reviews__. 5 Feb. 2009 . (This was used for the GPS photo.)

"Theory: Special Relativity (SLAC VVC)." __SLAC Public Website Server__. 31 Oct. 2008. 5 Feb. 2009 . (This site covers the essence of gravit and collapsed stars. It also in the beginning talks about how the theory was come up with and the history behind it. There are images on the side to help explain each section such as the collapsed stars. The author of this article is a physicist so he has to have an idea of what he is talking about. NOVA published this and since NOVA is a wellknown scientific organization it has credibility. )

"The Theory of Relativity." __Curious About Astrology__. 21 Mar 2008. Cornell University. 5 Feb 2009 http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/relativity.php. (Extra source that I used for theory of relativity. It explains the theory very simply and it is credible due to it being published by Cornell University. )

Zdenka's web pages." __Physics@Sydney - The University of Sydney__. 27 Jan. 2009 . (This is for the picture at the top that has the E=mc^2 formula.)