Relativity : the Special and General Theory

In summary, the conversation revolves around links to original papers on Relativity by Albert Einstein. The person speaking suggests making the post sticky, but the other person mentions that it is not necessary and instead suggests using the Local Link Directory. The conversation also touches upon the purpose of the Tutorial Forum and the suggestion to delete some posts.
  • #1
Mattara
348
1
I have posted links to the original papers on Relativity : the Special and General Theory made by Albert Einstein

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=105854

Please make this post sticky (since this is the sole core of the subject).
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hi,

Thanks for the links. We used to stick threads with useful links to the top of some forums, but we are getting away from that because all the stickes make the forums too cluttered. Instead we put links in the Local Link Directory. Go to the main page and in the upper right corner you'll see a menu. The button marked "Links" takes you there. The Link Directory is nice because it's searchable.

Someone has already submitted Sidelights, but the other one is not there. You can submit it, if you like.
 
  • #3
ah ok :blushing: didn't know

go ahead and delete this topic and the tutorial one also :)
 
  • #4
I'll leave this one, and delete the other one. The Tutorial Forum is more for documents that can help students solve homework problems. For example a document that shows some solutions to a selection of problems involving conservation of 4-momentum would be what we are looking for in a Special Relativity "tutorial".

Thanks again,

TM
 

1. What is the difference between Special and General Relativity?

The Special Theory of Relativity, developed by Albert Einstein in 1905, describes the relationship between space and time in the absence of gravity. It states that the laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion. On the other hand, the General Theory of Relativity, developed in 1915, includes the effects of gravity and describes the relationship between space, time, and gravity.

2. Can you explain the concept of time dilation in Special Relativity?

Time dilation is a phenomenon in Special Relativity where time appears to pass slower for an observer in motion relative to another observer. This means that the faster an object moves, the slower time appears to pass for that object. This effect has been proven through experiments, such as the famous Hafele-Keating experiment where atomic clocks were flown around the world in opposite directions.

3. How does the theory of relativity impact our understanding of the universe?

The theory of relativity has had a major impact on our understanding of the universe, particularly in the fields of cosmology and astrophysics. It has helped us understand the behavior of objects moving at very high speeds, such as galaxies and black holes. It also explains the bending of light around massive objects and the concept of space-time curvature.

4. Is it possible for an object to travel faster than the speed of light?

According to the theory of relativity, the speed of light is the maximum speed at which any object can travel in the universe. This means that it is not possible for an object to travel faster than the speed of light. As an object approaches the speed of light, its mass increases and requires more and more energy to accelerate, making it impossible to exceed the speed of light.

5. How has the theory of relativity been proven?

The theory of relativity has been proven through numerous experiments and observations. For example, the famous Eddington experiment in 1919 confirmed the bending of light predicted by General Relativity during a solar eclipse. The Global Positioning System (GPS) also relies on the principles of relativity to function accurately. Additionally, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) has provided evidence for the existence of the Higgs boson, a particle predicted by the Standard Model of particle physics, which is based on the principles of relativity.

Similar threads

B What is the Experimental Basis of Special Relativity?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
4
Views
1K
I Relativity: the Special and General theories
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
10
Views
743
I SR textbooks discussing accelerated reference frames without delving into GR
    • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
36
Views
2K
A Relativistic Relative Velocity Comp.: Bini, D. et al. (1995)
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
9
Views
1K
I Explore Spacetimes, Metrics & Symmetries in Relativity Theory
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
7
Views
1K
I Does string theory falsify the theory of special relativity?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
19
Views
2K
I General Relativity: Exploring Space & Time
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
3
Views
1K
I Why Does Special Relativity Not Contradict General Philosophy?
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
1
Views
800
I Scope of General Relativity: Assumptions & Implications
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
22
Views
1K
I A problem in the equations for Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity
    • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
188

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top