Time, Space & Light: Einstein's Theory Explained

In summary, according to Special Relativity, the speed of light is the same for all observers and as an object approaches the speed of light, it requires an infinite amount of energy. This means that light from distant stars does not travel infinitely fast, but rather takes time to reach us, which we measure in terms of lightyears. Additionally, since a photon does not have a rest frame, it is not meaningful to discuss its perspective.
  • #1
Naveen3456
62
0
A physics person told me that

1. According to Einstein time is 'frozen' for light.

2. According to Einstein space is infinitely contracted (i.e. it does not exist) for light.

Are these two points true?

If yes,

How come light from a distant star 'travel' to us?:cry:
 
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  • #2
nope.

Special Relativity says that for any observer the speed of light is the same. So if you as an observer are traveling at near the speed of light relative to another observer, you will still witness light traveling by you at the speed of light.

Special Relativity also says that as you attempt to travel at speeds close to light you will require all the energy of the universe to do so which means no material object that we know today will travel that fast.

The time it takes light to travel from a distant star is not infinitely fast we observe to travel at the speed of light and use that a form of measurement for how far away it is: 5 lightyears, 10 lightyears... which means it took light 5 or 10 years respectively to get here.
 
  • #3

Related to Time, Space & Light: Einstein's Theory Explained

1. What is Einstein's theory of relativity?

Einstein's theory of relativity is a scientific theory developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century. It is composed of two parts: special relativity and general relativity. Special relativity explains the relationship between time and space in the absence of gravity, while general relativity explains the effects of gravity on the curvature of space and time.

2. How does time dilation occur in Einstein's theory of relativity?

Time dilation occurs in Einstein's theory of relativity due to the concept of relative motion. According to special relativity, the passing of time is relative to the observer's frame of reference. This means that time will appear to pass slower for an observer in a moving frame of reference compared to an observer in a stationary frame of reference.

3. What is the relationship between space and time in Einstein's theory of relativity?

In Einstein's theory of relativity, space and time are not separate entities but rather part of a single concept known as spacetime. According to special relativity, the laws of physics should be the same for all observers, regardless of their frame of reference. This means that space and time are intertwined and cannot be considered separately.

4. How does Einstein's theory of relativity explain the bending of light?

Einstein's theory of relativity explains the bending of light through the concept of gravitational lensing. According to general relativity, massive objects such as stars and galaxies can bend the fabric of spacetime, causing light to follow a curved path around them. This phenomenon has been observed and confirmed through astronomical observations.

5. What are some practical applications of Einstein's theory of relativity?

Einstein's theory of relativity has numerous practical applications in modern technology. For example, GPS systems rely on accurate time measurements, which are affected by time dilation due to the satellites' high speeds. Additionally, general relativity has been used to make accurate predictions in astronomy, such as the existence of black holes and the behavior of gravitational waves.

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