Answer to Question #137289 in Genetics for Phumzile Zondi

Question

What is the theory of relativity

Answer 1

Theory of relativity

The theory of relativity was proposed by Albert Einstein to show the relationship between space and time. The theory of relativity is composed of two theories: special relativity and general relativity. Both were put forward to solve the physic phenomenon where light from distant sources was observed to bend as it passes a star. The special theory of relativity is based on two concepts; first, physics laws are the same for observers of an object moving in a straight line at a constant speed and secondly, light travels at a constant speed of 186,000 miles per second. From these two postulates, Albert Einstein demonstrated that space and time are intertwined such that the speed of light is relative to object hence "special relativity" (Kilmister, 2016). According to the special theory of relativity, as objects move faster, their weight increases such that anything with mass can never reach the speed of light. The theory further indicates that matter and energy are interchangeable according to equation E = MC² (Kilmister, 2016).

On the other hand, general relativity focuses on gravity, which is curving space rather than force attracting objects. Therefore, a massive objective like the sun warps more space around it than smaller bodies like planets, thus causing planets to move in curved paths created by the sun (also known as orbit). The warping effect also influences time, creating spacetime, such that time can dilate in the same way gravity stretches (Das & DeBenedictis, 2012). In conclusion, special relativity describes how stretching of time and space relates to increased mass, while general relativity shows a complex relationship between time, space curvature, and dilation of time.

References

Das, A., & DeBenedictis, A. (2012). The general theory of relativity: a mathematical exposition. Springer Science & Business Media.

Kilmister, C. W. (2016). Special Theory of Relativity: The Commonwealth and International Library: Selected Readings in Physics. Elsevier.