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** Background Information** The Theory of Relativity was developed by one of the most famous scientists of all time. This man was German-born, Nobel prize winning Albert Einstein. The theory was developed in the early 1900's and contained two separate parts. The first part was released in 1905 and is known as the Specific Theory of Relativity. This portion of the concept deals heavily with the speed of light and the universal application of laws of physics (Perkowitz). Einstein's infamous mathematical expression E=mc^2 came as a result of this part of the theory ("Wolfe"). The second part of the theory, which came about as a result of the specific theory, was released in 1916 and deals with gravitation (Perkowitz). It is known as the General Theory of Relativity. Overall, the theory is very complex and to the common person is hard to grasp. However, despite its complexity the Theory of Relativity has made lasting impacts on modern science, technology, and society.
 * The Theory of Relativity**

** Impact on Science  ** The theory of relativity has had many great impacts on the world of science. Along with Einstein's formation of the theory of relativity came the infamous equation "E=mc^2". This mathematical relationship helps scientists study the nature of sub-atomic particles (Perkowitz). By studying the nature of these particles, scientists have been able to take what they have learned and apply it to the scientific field of Cosmology. Cosmology is the study of the beginning of the universe and its structure. By applying the theory of relativity to the field of cosmology, scientists have been able to try to describe the behavior of the early universe. The have also been able to determine that the universe is constantly expanding and how fast this is occurring through Hubble's Constant (Perkowitz). The big bang theory has also been developed, a widely accepted idea of how the universe first began (Perkowitz). Overall, the theory of relativity has made lasting impacts on the scientific community, specifically the field of Cosmology, which has allowed for a vast amount of growth and discovery.

** Impact on Technology  ** The theory of relativity has also made possible many advances in technology. One piece of technology that has been developed as a result of the theory of relativity is the particle accelerator. In the attempt to learn more about the universe's sub-atomic particles, this machine was developed. The particle accelerator accelerates subatomic particles to nearly the speed of light and smashes them into certain targets (Perkowitz). The study of these particles and how they react has led to a better understanding of the behavior of them. Another piece of technology that has been developed as a result of the theory of relativity are global positioning systems (GPS). Through the theory of relativity, someone's position on earth can be easily calculated through the use of four or more satellites in space (Perkowitz). This technology has been widely used by militaries around the world as well as made its way to the public market in the form of handheld GPS systems. Fission and fusion bombs have also been developed through the application of relativistic ideas (Perkowitz). These bombs are capable of creating immense amounts of power. They have been used in warfare and have led to a great increase in military technology. The application of the Theory of Relativity is not just limited to these advances in technology. In addition to these examples, the theory of relativity has also been applied to technology that heats homes and creates nuclear power (Arora). It has been used in the way we count our days and in the treatment used for cancer patients ("Wolfe"). Overall, the Theory of Relativity has played a key role in some of the biggest technological advances of the modern world.

**Impact on Society** The impacts of the Theory of Relativity are not just limited to science and technology, but can be seen in society as well. Einstein's theory of relativity had great impacts on the art and literature of the era known as "modernism." Einstein's theory talks about the existence of a four-dimensional universe. This idea can be seen in different pieces of art from the time. Famous artists such as Pablo Picasso attempted to depict things in four dimensions (Perkowitz). Picasso does this specifically in some of his early cubist paintings. Other artists such as Vladimir Mayakovsky have been greatly influenced by the idea of relativity. Because of the theory of relativity had so many impacts on the world and modern applications, people in general began to grow interested in it. People wanted to learn about it and understand it, but this was hard for many since the theory was very complex. This led to the publication of several books by scientists in an attempt to explain the theory of relativity to the common people. These scientists include Arthur Eddington and Aleksandr Friedmann who wrote books in the 1920's which continued to be published decades later (Perkowitz). The basics of the Theory of Relativity have also been taken and applied to philosophy. Before the theory's existence famous philosophers such as Kant and Aristotle argued that there is an absolute truth to every situation or issue. However, modern philosophers now argue the views of rights, wrongs, and truths are relative and depend solely on someone's "frame of reference." The parallels between philosophy and the Theory of Relativity can be seen here and demonstrate a great impact. The Theory of Relativity has gone above and beyond and not only impacted technology and science, but society as well.

**Conclusion** The theory of relativity has made many positive impacts on modern science, technology, and society. These impacts on many fields of sciences such a cosmology and physics have led to many great discoveries about the universe we live in. These advances in science have since been used and applied to make great strides in modern technology. Inventions like the particle accelerator and global positioning systems have since been developed. The modern world is very dependent on science and technology and the theory of relativity has made its way into art, books and philosophy, showing an impact on society. The theory of relativity has made an impact of virtually every aspect of life in one was or another. As the modern world continues to become more "tech-savvy" and dependent on advances in science, the impacts of Einstein's theory of relativity will continue grow and affect the world we live in.

**Annotated Work Cited** Arora, Hans. "Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science." __Science in Society.__ 20 Oct. 2008. 01 Feb. 2009 < http://scienceinsociety.northwestern.edu/content/articles/2008/research-digest/student-papers/einstein/einstein2019s-theory-of-relativity-implications-beyond-science >. //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__. 01 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.//

Wolfe, Joe. “EinsteinLight.” __The University of New South Wales__. 01 Feb. 2009 < http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/einsteinlight <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">>. <span style="font-size: 90%; font-family: 'Times New Roman', Times, serif;">//This website provides film clips as well as extra links to aid in the understanding of the theory. It was set up by the University of New South Wales.//