What is a simple explanation of the theory of relativity?
What is a simple explanation of the theory of relativity?
What is general relativity? Essentially, it’s a theory of gravity. The basic idea is that instead of being an invisible force that attracts objects to one another, gravity is a curving or warping of space. The more massive an object, the more it warps the space around it.
What did Einstein mean by time is relative?
In the Special Theory of Relativity, Einstein determined that time is relative—in other words, the rate at which time passes depends on your frame of reference. The effect of time slowing down is negligible at speeds of everyday life, but it becomes very pronounced at speeds approaching that of light.
How did Einstein figure out relativity?
General relativity predicted that light would bend in a gravitational field. In 1919, British expeditions to Africa and South America observed a total solar eclipse to see if the position of stars near the Sun had changed. The observed effect was exactly what Einstein had predicted.
What is the equation for the theory of relativity?
The General Theory of Relativity can actually be described using a very simple equation: R = GE (although Einstein’s own formulation of his field equations are much more complex).
What are the main postulates of theory of relativity?
The first postulate of special relativity is the idea that the laws of physics are the same and can be stated in their simplest form in all inertial frames of reference. The second postulate of special relativity is the idea that the speed of light c is a constant, independent of the relative motion of the source.
Can someone explain the theory of relativity?
General relativity is a theory of gravitation developed by Einstein in the years 1907-1915. The development of general relativity began with the equivalence principle, under which the states of accelerated motion and being at rest in a gravitational field (for example, when standing on the surface of the Earth) are physically identical.
Is the theory of relativity false or true?
Relativity is a falsifiable theory: It makes predictions that can be tested by experiment. In the case of special relativity, these include the principle of relativity, the constancy of the speed of light, and time dilation. [11]