could someone explain Einstein's ''theory of Relativity''?

Question

please make it short and sweet, cuz i dnt like long explanitions! thanx!

Answer 1

There are in fact two theories of Relativity. The special theory of Relativity is a simple theory that explains how different observers see things in the Universe. The general theory deals more with 'what is space' and 'how do mass and gravity affect things' as well. If you want a full description of the concepts and findings of relativity I would read some books first. It takes a lot of information to explain these theories without using any maths.

The above may not sound like much but Relativity has shown that the Universe is a strange place indeed. For one thing time slows down the faster you go. For example, ocean going vessels now rely on Global Positioning Satellites to tell them where they are. These satellites have to have their clocks Relativistically corrected in order to provide accurate postioning data for ships. Gravity slows time down as well. Gravity is caused by a mass `bending' space. The General Theory of Relativity also provides some maths that help us explain how the Universe was created, why it looks the way it does and how it will end. This, more so than anything, is why people are interested in Relativity. The one question everyone asks at some point is `where did we come from, how was the Universe made'. Normally religions have had the monopoly on answering this. General Relativity provides a much more tangible set of answers. In this century we have been able to actually describe and measure real things about the Universe and see if it matches predictions. By real things I mean the speed remote objects are moving at, the ratio of Hydrogen to Helium in the Universe, the density of space and so on. Previously the answers would simply be "because God made it this way". Now we can see why God made it that way.

Though Relativity has possibly never saved one persons life it achieves another function. It helps us understand the real world, why it is the way it is and the ultimate fate of the Universe.

If you wish to know more there are many online sources about Relativity. Try searching for "General Relativity", "Special Relativity", "Big Bang Cosmology", "Einstein" and so on

Answer 2

some people relate better to visual explainations than to the typically confusing written textbook type of presentation.
Try this link ...
http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/einsteinlight/
Complex and facinating stuff indeed
This simplifies it all.

Because it is a visual aid with many graphics.. it will take a while to load.. for me it was maybe 2 minutes.. and it is from a university in australia.
it is also in Flashplayer format. Most computers are capable of opening it, however an additional download may be required.. there is a link for that on the same page, if necessary
Or if the written word is what works for you..
I am sure there is an "Einstein/Relativity type Book for Dummies"
I would not have passed Advanced Physics without that book. Well worth the $10 investment.

Answer 3

It is good but not omnipotent. There are things left open by it.

Example: mass becomes infinite as you approach the speed of light, so we cannot go that fast lest we become infinite. Hence, we should be crushed by every ray of light or radio wave. But they say photons are massless. Why are they affected by gravity then? Oops.

This theory will have to do for now, but there is a better one out there, somewhere. I don't have it (yet?).

Answer 4

i wager religions ought to declare to teach some pre-notive theory of remember/power equivalence yet i do not imagine they "defined" the perception of relativity. Seeing as how this theory does a good purchase more desirable than get in the course of the e=mc^2 equation, i do not imagine any faith has defined what replaced into on the time real, imaginitive, inventive artwork on the mechanics of mass, power, and relativistic frames of reference.

Answer 5

This oughta do it for ya...

There was a young lady of Bright
Who could travel much faster than light.
She set off one day,
In a relative way,
And returned on the previous night.

Answer 6

Simple: For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

Have a great day!