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__** Theory Of Relativity- It's Impacts on Todays Society and Technology **__

__**Backround Information**__

The Theory of relativity was introduced by acclaimed physicist Albert Einstien in 1905. For his accomplishments he is often though of as the most influential scientists of the 20th century. His theory was a solution to Michelson and Morley's well known experiment in 1885, although at the time no one had relized this. However there are to parts to his theory. The Specific Theory of Relativity, which deals with the velocity of light and the universal application of physics. Also Einstien's most famous equation E=mc^2(Arora) is a result of the Special Theory of Relativity. And the General Theory of Relativity, which deals with gravity. The General Theory was published in 1916, after the Special Theory of Realtivity was found. despite the complexities of these theories, they affect every person living in the modern worl today and into the future.

__**Affects in Society**__

The Theory of Relativity had great impacts on the entire worlds society and culture. It was so influncial that it changed the way artists painted, authors wrote and philosophers thought. Essentially it was a main element of the modernism movement in the 20th century. In Einstien's theory he describes a universe with four dimensions. This is picked up by artists such as Picasso who tries to convey this reality in his art. Thus producing his cubism peices. Vladimir Mayakovsky is another such artist who was greatly influenced by the theory of relativity. Due to the growing interest in Einstien's theory by the common people, many physicists such as Arthur Eddington and Aleksandr Friedmann published books trying to convey the complexities to the common man. The theory even helped to change previous philosophers thinkings such as Kant and Aristotle, who said there is an absolute truth to every situation or issue. nowadays, modern philosophers argue that the situation or issue can depend on the point of view or "frame of reference" of the persons involved. the Theory of relativity's impacts can be seen here.

__**Affects in Technology**__

The Theory of Relativity was able to greatly advance our technologies. without the theory we would not have such things like a nuclear power plant to produce energy and run our cities. Also the nuclear bomb would not have been made in WWII without the Equation E=mc^2, derived from the Specific Theory of Relativity(Perkowitz). It has also allowed people to have things such as GPS and navigation systems in our cars and cell phones. These systems use the Theory of Relativity to pin-point a persons location anywhere on the planet. Other more complex technologies such as particle accelerators, which smash sub-atomic particles together at speeds near the speed of light, and allow scientists to study their behavior in such circumstances, would not be possible(Arora). Not only has this changed our past but it will continue to change our future.

Arora, Hans. "Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science." __Science in Society.__ 20 Oct. 2008. 09 Mar. 2009 < []>.

Analytical Statement-Perkowitz, Sidney. "**relativity**." __Encyclopædia Britannica__. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 09 Mar. 2009 <[|**http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/496904/relativity**]>.

"Einstein Publishes Special Theory of Relativity, 1905." //DISCovering World History//. Online ed. Detroit: Gale, 2003. //Student Resource Center - Bronze//. Gale. Hershey High School. 10 Mar. 2009 <[]>

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