Does the theory of relativity refers to planetary objects or does the quantum theory refers to earthly matters?
2007-05-22 04:04:58 · 5 answers · asked by M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
Quantum theory: theory of small stuff. Small particles obey differential equations that give them wave-like behaviors. An electron in an atom (like a sound wave in an organ pipe) can only have certain distinct energy levels, so we say its behavior is quantized. Quantum mechanics dominates nuclear and subatomic physics and chemistry. Chemistry has a pretty big impact on everything around us. Also, QM shows up in wierd macroscopic phenomena like superfluidity. So yes, QM applies to earthly matters.
Relativity is the idea that the laws of physics do not change in different reference frames. A passenger in the hold of a steadily moving ship doesn't know he's moving. Galileo noticed this way back in the day.
Special relativity adds the wrinkle that the speed of light is constant to all observers. This postulate causes time dilation and length contraction for fast-moving stuff.
General relativity adds the wrinkle that an accelerating reference frame is the same as being in a gravitational field. The consequences can be interpreted as saying that energy bends space and time. Light gets bent by gravity. Clocks run slow in a gravity well.
2007-05-22 04:12:57 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
General relativity is the description how matter and space interact. General relativity involves the study of gravity and the relativistic effects of gravity.
Special relativity and quantum theory were discussed by the previous answer.
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2007-05-22 04:14:38 · answer #2 · answered by Robert L 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
quantum theory is the study of subatomic particles and issues that deal with very very small things...like atomic sizes. the theory of relativity explains space and times dependence on each other. it also explains what happens when things start to move really fast (close to the speed of light) where newtonian physics breaks down....basically, quantum theory works when you get super small, and relativity works when you start to go super fast
2007-05-22 04:10:50 · answer #3 · answered by rubiks87 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Quantum theory deals with the very small.
2007-05-25 07:50:30 · answer #4 · answered by johnandeileen2000 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
tricky situation. research at the search engines. just that could help!
2014-12-10 19:54:29 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋