Understanding General Relativity: A Guide

In summary, the conversation discusses how Einstein proposed that the special principle of relativity should apply to Maxwell's electromagnetic theory, leading to the replacement of Galilean kinematics with Lorentz transformations. This implies that the velocity of light is the same in all inertial frames. The conversation also mentions a book that visualizes the difference between Galilean and Lorentz transformations.
  • #1
Akshay690
6
0
I am reading general and special relativity from a book and I am stuck with these lines please can someone provide its detailed explanation
"Einstein demanded that the special principle of relativity should be valid also for Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory. This was obtained by replacing the Galilean kinematics by that of the special theory of relativity (see Ch. 2), since Maxwell’s equations and Lorentz’s force law is invariant under the Lorentz transformations. In particular this implies that the velocity of electromagnetic waves, i.e. of light, is the same in all Galilean frames, c = 299 792.5 km/s ≈ 3.00 × 108 m/s."
 
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  • #2
Here is how would modify it for clairity:
Akshay690 said:
"Einstein demanded that the special principle of relativity should be valid also for Maxwell’s electromagnetic theory. This was obtained by replacing the Galilean transformation by Lorentz transformation, since Maxwell’s equations and Lorentz’s force law is invariant under the Lorentz transformations. In particular this implies that the velocity of electromagnetic waves, i.e. of light, is the same in all inertial frames, c = 299 792.5 km/s ≈ 3.00 × 108 m/s."

This video visualizes the difference between Galilean transformation by Lorentz transformation:

 
  • #3
Akshay690 said:
from a book

Which book?
 
  • #4
PeterDonis said:
Which book?

Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity Øyvind Grøn andSigbjørn Hervik
 
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What is general relativity?

General relativity is a scientific theory that describes the relationship between gravity and the structure of space and time. It was developed by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century and has been confirmed by numerous experiments and observations.

Why is understanding general relativity important?

General relativity is a fundamental theory in physics and is crucial for understanding the behavior of objects in the universe, from planets and stars to galaxies and the entire universe. It also plays a key role in modern technologies, such as GPS systems and satellite communication.

What are the main concepts of general relativity?

The main concepts of general relativity include the curvature of space and time, the equivalence principle, and the bending of light by massive objects. It also introduces the concept of spacetime, which combines space and time into a single entity.

How does general relativity differ from Newton's theory of gravity?

Newton's theory of gravity describes gravity as a force between two objects, while general relativity explains it as a curvature of spacetime caused by the presence of mass and energy. General relativity also predicts phenomena that cannot be explained by Newton's theory, such as the bending of starlight by the Sun.

Is general relativity proven to be true?

General relativity has been extensively tested and has been confirmed by numerous experiments and observations. However, it is still an active area of research and there are some aspects of the theory that are still being studied and refined by scientists.

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