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 * The Theory of Relativity: The Impacts on Modern Sciences and Technology**

The theory of relativity will have lasting affects on not only technology but also the always changing views on modern day science. Albert Einstein, the physicist behind it all, published the Special theory of Relativity in 1905. The theory was an answer to the problem in Michelson and Morley's famous experiment in 1885, even though no one at the time had realized. This specific theory established the constancy of the velocity of light, irrespective of the velocity of the measuring platform. This was already implicit in Maxwell's equations(Chopping).

The whole goal of the Michelson and Morley experiment was to determine the velocity of the planet earth as it moved through the ether, unfortunately they failed to detect any motion at all. After the failure an abandonment of the idea of the ether arose, despite being referred to as existing until the 1930s. Einstine then furthered the experiment by trying to determine whether or not someone within a closed vehicle moving at a constant speed could determine his or he absolute velocity in any way. He determined that measuring the speed of light inside the vehicle was of no use, because it is always constant. Also that even a beam of light projected from the moving object would be of no help. Einstein realized that if there was no way that absolute motion could be measured, it did not exist(Perkowitz). Einstines theories apply directly to technology that is being used today. "Einstein published a further paper in 1915 which brought in accelerations and gravity, in which he predicted that atomic clocks would run more slowly in a strong gravitational field. This was the general theory of relativity. Although at first it was thought that this was all very remote and unimportant at any of the speeds we would be likely to encounter in practice, this has turned out not to be the case. It has already entered everyday life. In the type of machine used in the radiotherapy of cancer, the linear accelerator, we have high energy electrons which are traveling at velocities comparable to the speed of light and they do get heavier"(Chopping). We now use this theory in our medical practices for treating serious conditions such as cancer. Technological advancements such as GPS owe a huge thanks to Einstine and his theory of relativity.The applications to nuclear energy production and synchronization of the global positioning system (GPS) satellites around the earth indicate an effect of relativity on our day-to-day activities. It is also difficult to imagine the military and combat today without conjuring images of nuclear warheads and nuclear-powered submarines. These technologies rely on relativity through GPS. However, GPS enables not only the Department of Defense, but also the commuter who has just taken a wrong turn and the couple searching for a restaurant(Arora).

Einstein ultimately solved the time problem by realizing the four dimensional system of geometry proposed by Riemann or that of Minkowski would allow the proper relationship between space and time. These were combined together under the dimension of "Space-Time". He proposed that a four dimensional geometry truly represented the real world in which we live. The possibility that the locality problem, which we have with quantum theory could be solved by invoking an extra dimension therefore exists. This only has a very indirect relevance to the integrative problem of the mind(Perkowitz). However, the great majority influence Einstein is credited with is due to the implications of relativity as a concept beyond science. While Einstein’s work did create new branches of study in physics and revolutionize astronomy, the impact on daily life, philosophy, and society are much more important. It is through the aftermath of his two theories on relativity that Einstein has truly risen to fame in a variety of audiences and for many reasons(Arora).

The theory of relativity is a constantly changing and evolving theory, coming from the mind of the brilliant physicist Albert Einstine. Not only does the theory have a practical application to everyday life such as GPS, but is also shaping modern sciences in ways we can only imagine. Through the continuing studies of this theory technology will continue to advance for the better in our society, making it easier to perform certain actions. Though the theory of relativity is not set in stone, it was encourage further study in many areas of the scientific fields and will aid us in our everyday lives.

Works Cited

Arora, Hans. "Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science?." 20 October 2008 4 Feb 2009 http://scienceinsociety.northwestern.edu/content/articles/.

//This web page contains information on how Einstein's theory of relativity has impacted society. The web page was published by an organization called Science in Society which is a offshoot program from Northwestern University, an esteemed university. //

Perkowitz, Sidney. "**relativity**." __Encyclopædia Britannica__. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 04 Feb. 2009 <[|**http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/496904/relativity**]>.

//This web page contains a plethora of information on all aspects of the Theory of Relativity ranging from its impacts to specific information on how it was formed. The web page was published by Encyclopedia Britannica and is part of their online encyclopedia. //

Chopping, Peter. "The Theory of Relativity." __Holographic Brain__. 2000. 4 Feb 2009 http://www.holographicbrain.com/Book/ch12relativity.htm.

//This web page contains lots of background information on Einstein's theory of relativity and how it is affecting life today. Written by a college professor from Allegheny community college. //