PeterN



Theory of Relativity

In 1905 Albert Einstein a German American physicist published the theory of relativity. It was a new theory which was about to change how the world looks upon everything. By accepting the theory of relativity, the world has been greatly impacted in many ways. It has completely changed society and it has improved GPS, brought about new philosophies, and nuclear energy.

General and Special Relativity

The theory of Relativity was introduced by Albert Einstein at the beginning of the 20th century. The Theory of Special Relativity was published in 1905 and then the Theory of General Relatvity was published in 1915. It is a set of rules that explain the laws of nature. The Theory of Relativity advanced earlier theories that explained how things work. Some of these theories created by Galileo and Newton were built upon by Einstein. Specifically some of these rules explained the earth’s gravity, the constant speed of light, and the way that planets and stars move in the sky. These theories are made up of words and equations and their purpose is to describe basic laws. Einstein’s theory has become one of the most excepted understandings of how all the forces and motions operate in the universe. Even though Einstein developed his theory with no practical reason in mind, it appears it has come affect almost everyone on earth (Lightman, Alan).

Relativity and GPS

Einstein’s theory of relativity has been proven by GPS satellites and his theory has also improved the use of the GPS's. GPS satellites contain atomic clocks; the clocks are synchronized with atomic clocks on the earth. While the satellites are still on the earth the clocks move slower. Therefore time moves slower while they are on earth, but when they reach outer space where the gravitational pull is weaker they are synchronized with the atomic clocks on earth. Also when the GPS’s are traveling faster the clocks slow down, but since the gravitational pull is weak which makes the clocks go faster, this then negates the traveling fast and that’s how the clock is accurate (Flandern, Tom).

Relativity and Philosophy

The theory of relativity has also caused much debate and has caused many arguments with philosophers. “His theories of relativity were used by philosophers, politicians, and activists to turn moral philosophy upside-down” (Arora, Hans). Before the theory of relativity, philosophers said that there was an absolute truth and absolute way of approaching different aspects of life. Although after the theory was introduced it was now philosophized that man could act upon his own “philosophy.” One could choose between right and wrong and any idea could be accepted and that there is no longer an absolute truth (Arora, Hans)

Relativity and Nuclear

The theory of relativity has also brought about nuclear energy. Einstein used E=mc² to state that “the equation says you can turn mass into energy and vice versa. The mass is multiplied by a very large number, the speed of light squared, and because of this multiplier effect, a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy” (100 Years Old Theory). Einstein and a group of scientist advised that US government during WWII that the Germans were trying to create an atomic bomb and the US should do the same. So the US used Einstein’s theory of relativity and the equation E=mc² to create the bomb.

The theory of relativity has brought about nuclear energy, new philosophies and GPS. The theory has brought about new technologies and advancements in society. Without the theory of relativity the world would not be as advanced as it is today.

 Bibliography Dine, Michael. "Relativity." World Book Online Reference Center. 2004. World Book, Inc. http://www.worldbookonline.com/wb/Article?id=ar464240 This is a reliable source because the person that wrote is has a Ph.D. and they have a works cited page.

Flandern, Tom. "What the Global Positioning System Tells Us About Relativity." __Meta Research (innovative astronomy research)__. 28 Jan. 2009 . This is a reliable source, because the work is citied and the person that wrote is work, works for the University of Maryland

Arora, Hans. "Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science? — Science in Society." __Home — Science in Society__. 28 Jan. 2009 . This is a reliable source becuase it was written by Northwestern University.

Lightman, Alan. "NOVA | Einstein's Big Idea | Relativity (Lightman Essay) | PBS." __PBS__. 28 Jan. 2009 . This is a reliable source becuase it is written by NOVA which is a well known and reliable science group that is affiliated with PBS.

"Albert Einstein And The 100 Years Old Theory That Changed Our Lives - The Theory of Relativity - Softpedia." __Latest news - Softpedia__. 28 Jan. 2009 . This is not a completely reliable source because it does not have a listed author but it does have works cited.