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The theory of relativity discovered by Albert Einstein states that time, space and gravitation are all related to mass. Also special relativity states that all of the laws of physics are the same for all observers relative to one another. Implications of these discoveries include relativity of simultaneity, time dilation and mass-energy equivalence. Relativity of simultaneity tells us that events simulataneous to some observers may not be for other observers. This is because some observers are in relative motion. As for time dilation it states that moving clocks are slower then stationary clocks. There for you must differentiate the speed they tick to keep them in unison. The mass energy equivalence brings up Einsteins most famous theory, E=mc^2. This equation tells us that mass and energy are transmutable.
 * The Theory**

Einstein's theories of relativity have profoundly impacted our society, both positively and negatively. By accepting and applying these theories the world has come up with some of its most amazing advancements. The primary advancements include nuclear power and weapons, GPS, and the phylosophical impact of complete relativity.

E=mc^2. This small equation has become revolutionary to modern society. What this equation actually means is energy equals mass times the speed of light squared (Arora, 1). That may not mean much to the average person, but it was fundemental for harnessing nuclear energy. To create this type of energy in a reaction, a material must undergo fission or fusion. During this reaction an object is accelerated close to the speed of light, and a small amount of atomic mass is turned into energy. Adding more energy to an object will not make it go faster, because nothing can go faster then the speed of light. Instead of gaining velocity, the energy is added to the mass of the object creating the energy. With this knowledge of how nuclear energy can work, people can now apply it. The applications of this are both positive and negative. On the positive side, nuclear energy can be used to power homes and bussinesses as an alternative to some more conventional power plants. The main benefits of nuclear plants is that they lack the release of harmful toxins and are based of completely renuable resources. The main negative to nuclear energy is nuclear weapons. They do have their benefits being used for defense, however their overall devastating abilities are unquestionable. The first showcase of the power nuclear weapons could have was during World War 2. Since the first deployment of these weapons, warfare and the world in general, has never been the same.
 * Nuclear Power**

The second everyday impact of Einsteins reletivity theories is in GPS. Hundreds of global positioning satalites are orbiting earth constantly. Their job is to ensure car owners know when to make a turn, airline pilots can find their destinations, and the armed services can drop a bomb and have it land exactly where they need it to. Now there are obviously many more examples of where GPS works. However the precision to make any of this happen could only be gained from Einstein's theory. of special relativity. Due to special relativity, the time on the onboard clocks of GPS units would fall behind the clocks here on earth. Special relativity itself predicts this occurence because observers on the ground see the satalite relative to them. There for, satellites should fall behind clocks on the ground by about 7 microseconds per day because of the slower ticking rate, which is caused by the time dilation effect of special relativity (Pogg, 1). So, without the theory of relativity, GPS units would lose time with ground clocks causing them to be useless.
 * GPS**

The third major effect of the theory of relativity is the psychological one. The theory of relativity effectively destroys all constants in the universe. According to science, speed is measured as distance over time. However, the theory of relativity states that speed of light doesn’t change. This means distance and time must change to always reach the correct number. That leads to the revalation that time itself is relative. According to the general theory of relativity everything is viewed through an inertial refrence. That means that your viewpoint changes the properties of what you are measuring. By taking away time, the last best and only true constant in the universe, Einstein gave people the ability to question everything. With out any definents, everything is now relative and circumstantial. There is no longer and true answer, because it depends on your viewpoint. This is one of the single greatest affects brought about be Einstein, and his work with the theories of relativity.
 * Philosophy**

Einsteins theories of relativity have totally impacted modern society and many people dont even know it. By providing his equation E=mc^2 Einstein paved the way for nuclear energy which would one day lead to power and weapons. The future for nuclear power looks promising as it offers an alternitive renuable energy source. As for nuclear weapons, they will most likely continue to grow in power. The tradition of GPS devices, which only work because of special relativity, is becoming increasingly ingrained into our society. As vehicles and weaponry is upgraded GPS will be utilized more and more. The philosophical affects of relitivity are by far the most underated. Even though we do not think about them they give overwhelming ability to question society as a whole.




 * Work Cited**

Basgen, Brian. "Relativity ." Albert Einstein Reference Archive. 1 Feb. 2009 .

Lightman, Alan. "NOVA | Einstein's Big Idea | Relativity (Lightman Essay) | PBS." PBS. 5 Feb. 2009 .

Wright, Edward. "Galilean Relativity." Relativity Tutorial. 2 Feb. 2008. 1 Feb. 2009 .