[06] The Theory of Relativity Flashcards
What does the Special Theory of Relativity state?
- The laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion relative to one another.
- Speed of light in a vacuum is constant for all observers, regardless of their motion or of the motion of the source of light.
What is the key principle of General Theory of Relativity?
- Gravity is caused by the curvature of space and time.
- Massive objects cause a distortion in the space-time fabric, which is felt as gravity.
Who proposed the theories of Special and General Relativity?
Albert Einstein
In which year was the Special Theory of Relativity proposed?
1905
When was the General Theory of Relativity proposed?
1915
How does General Relativity describe gravity?
As the warping of space-time by mass and energy.
What is the implication of time dilation in the Theory of Relativity?
Time passes at different rates for observers in different frames of reference.
What does length contraction mean in the context of the Special Theory of Relativity?
Objects in motion are measured to be shorter in their direction of motion relative to a stationary observer.
What is the famous equation derived from the Theory of Special Relativity?
E=mc^2
What does E=mc^2 stand for?
Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared.
