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2007-02-15 12:41:13 · 4 answers · asked by goring 6 in Science & Mathematics Astronomy & Space

4 answers

In the early 20th century, Einstein’s theory of relativity shocked the world of physics. This theory proposed drastic changes to the laws of classical physics that had appeared perfectly logical to our experiences and intuition for centuries.

So differently did Einstein’s theory portray reality that most of the predictions of the equations contradicted our perception of the world. These radical changes are a result of Einstein’s ingenious interpretation of time as another dimension similar to the three spatial dimensions, as a face of the space-time continuum. The unification of space and time prompted many “strange” phenomena.

Using circular diagrams, graphs that accurately depict the various line segments in space-time, we will tackle the problems in the new four-dimensional world, such as contraction of time, simultaneity, increase of mass, and finally, the popular E = mc2, whose power is demonstrated in the awesome explosions of nuclear weapons.

Although relativity and Newtonian laws say basically the same in conditions during everyday life, our increasingly sophisticated technology dictates a need to accurately measure the results of our experiments. The tests carried out in large particle accelerators routinely approach 90 or more percent of the speed of light. At such speed, classical physics will be rendered completely useless. Also, relativity is an invaluable tool in astronomy. It helps to predict the orbit of the nearby planet Mercury, as well as determine the fate of distant colliding galaxies. The Theory of Relativity is one of the greatest achievements in science in the 20th century.

Although Albert Einstein published the Special and General Theory of Relativity, many other great scientists have contributed to this monumental work of science.

It all started in 1887, when two American physicists, Michelson and Morley, performed an experiment to prove the existence of ether, the supposed stationary medium through which light travels. If ether actually existed, then the speed of light traveling against the direction of earth’s orbit around the sun should have been slightly slower than the light traveling in the direction of earth’s movement. However, much to everyone’s surprise, they found no difference in the speed of the two rays of light. Upon much repetition of this experiment, scientists became convinced of the result and scrambled to find ways to explain this paradox.

Based on this critical information, Einstein was able to reconcile the various new discoveries and derived the equations in relativity from essentially two postulates: the Principle of Relativity, and the Constancy of Light Speed. His solutions were indeed very ingenious. However, his mind and vision might have been hard for others to follow.

Therefore, many great mathematicians and physicists studied Einstein’s solution and invented methods of their own. Minkowski, Einstein’s former math teacher, developed the four dimensional structure and space-time equation so the theory would be more accessible for others. In fact, Minkowski’s method of treating Special Relativity with tensors eventually helped Einstein with the development of General Relativity.

Today, relativity is still a topic that intrigues many people, because it is conceptually difficult yet mathematically simple and elegant. http://members.tripod.com/special_relativity/Introduction.htm

2007-02-15 12:47:02 · answer #1 · answered by ? 2 · 1 0

a space time equation is a problem that is shown as rate times speed = distance

An example: If a train traveling a 40 miles per hour in four hours how far will it go?

2007-02-15 12:46:27 · answer #2 · answered by Tim Rohan 3 · 0 0

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2016-09-29 04:19:01 · answer #3 · answered by duktig 4 · 0 0

E=MC^2

2007-02-15 12:43:43 · answer #4 · answered by Beardog 7 · 0 0

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