Please explain a little about general and special relativity

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the history and concepts of general relativity (GR) and special relativity (SR), including requests for explanations and resources for further understanding. Participants express varying levels of familiarity with the topics and seek clarification on conflicting information found online.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests a simple explanation of the history and concepts of GR and SR, expressing confusion due to differing information found on various websites.
  • Another participant suggests referring to Einstein's own writings, specifically "The Special and General Theory," as a primary source for understanding these theories.
  • A participant notes that the topic is complex and may require extensive literature to fully explain, inviting the original poster to specify the conflicting information they encountered.
  • It is mentioned that SR deals with the implications of the constancy of the speed of light, while GR describes gravity as a geometric property of space-time, indicating a relationship between matter and the curvature of space-time.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on how to best explain the theories, and there are multiple viewpoints regarding the complexity of the topics and the best resources for learning.

Contextual Notes

There is an acknowledgment of the complexity of the theories, suggesting that a simple explanation may not suffice. The discussion reflects a range of understanding and the need for clarification on specific points of confusion.

payam.a
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Hi dears;
I want you please to explain about the history of existanse of general and special relativity and also explain what are they about? and tell me how einstein proved them.
I should tell that I know a little about them. but i have found different things in different web sites. therefore now i am confused.
at first i request you to explain for me yourself as simple as possible.
after that please introduce some sites for me that i can refer to them.
thanks
payam
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You understand, don't you, that this topic requires whole books to explain?

If you were to say what "different things in different web sites" you have found, we might be able to help.
 
What HallsofIvy said.

The very short answer is that SR is about the consequences of the fact that the speed of light is independent of the speed of the light source, and GR is about gravity. GR describes gravity as a geometric property of space-time and states the relationship between the geometry of space-time and its matter content. Matter tells space-time how to curve. Space-time tells matter how to move.
 

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