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Phys 5

Relativity, formulated by Albert Einstein, posits that space and time are relative, with no absolute reference frame, and the speed of light remains constant regardless of the observer's motion. It consists of two theories: Special Relativity, which introduces concepts like time dilation and mass-energy equivalence, and General Relativity, which connects gravity with acceleration and describes phenomena such as gravitational time dilation. The document highlights the implications of these theories and encourages further exploration of related topics.

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Donna Mae Agtang
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19 views3 pages

Phys 5

Relativity, formulated by Albert Einstein, posits that space and time are relative, with no absolute reference frame, and the speed of light remains constant regardless of the observer's motion. It consists of two theories: Special Relativity, which introduces concepts like time dilation and mass-energy equivalence, and General Relativity, which connects gravity with acceleration and describes phenomena such as gravitational time dilation. The document highlights the implications of these theories and encourages further exploration of related topics.

Uploaded by

Donna Mae Agtang
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction to Relativity

Relativity is a theorem formulated by Albert Einstein, which states that


space and time are relative, and all motion must be relative to a frame of
reference. It is a notion that states’ laws of physics are the same
everywhere. This theory is simple but hard to understand.

It states:

•There is no absolute reference frame. One can measure velocity if the


object or momentum is only in relation to other objects.

•The speed of light Is constant irrespective of who measures it or how fast


the person measuring it is moving.

Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity encompasses two theories: Special


Relativity Theory and General Relativity Theory.

Special Theory of Relativity

Einstein first introduced this term in the year 1905. It is a theorem that deals
with the structure of space-time. Einstein explained this theory based on two
postulates –

The laws of physics are the same for all, irrespective of the observer’s
velocity.

The speed of light is always constant regardless of the motion of the light
source or the motion of the observer.
This is the theory which laid the foundation of time travel. According to
Einstein, the rate at which time tics decreases with the increase of the
person’s velocity. But this is hard to notice as the decrease in time is
relatively very low compared to the increase in time. So, it can be assumed
that if you can equal the velocity of light, you will be in a situation where
time is still. This phenomenon is called Time Dilation. There are other
surprising consequences of this theory, such as –

•Relativity of simultaneity – two actions, simultaneous for one person, may


not be simultaneous for another person in relative motion.

•Length Shrinking: Objects are measured and appear shorter in the direction
they are moving with respect to the observer.

•Mass – Energy Equivalence: Study of relativity led to one of the greatest


inventions, i.e., E = mc2 where E is Energy, m stands for mass and c for the
velocity of light. Many scientists observed that the object’s mass increases
with the velocity but never knew how to calculate it. This equation is the
answer to their problem, which explains that the increased relativistic weight
of the object is equal to the kinetic energy divided by the square of the
speed of light.

General Theory of Relativity

General Relativity theory, developed by Einstein in 1907-1915, states that


being at rest in the gravitational field and accelerating are identical
physically. For example, an observer can see the ball fall the same way on
the rocket and on Earth. This is due to the rocket’s acceleration, which
equals 9.8 m/s2. This theory relates to Newton’s gravitational theory and
special relativity.
Some Consequences of General Relativity are :

•Gravitational Time Dilation: Gravity influences the passage of time. Clocks


in the deeper gravitational wells run slower than in general gravitational
levels.

•Light rays will bend in the gravitational field.

•The universe is expanding, and parts of it are moving away from Earth
faster than the speed of light.

Stay tuned with BYJU’S to know more about the theory of relativity, its
applications and other interesting topics like relative speed, relative velocity,
relative motion, etc.

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