michaelg

Relativity's Impact

Albert Einstein first published his ideas concerning relativity in 1905. Since then, Einstein's simple equation of E=mc² has been taught to genera tions of students. Einstein's first theory, the special theory of relativity, says that the speed of light is constant and the speed at which things happen can vary. This means that time and space are mutable entities and time, space, and motion fall into a fourth dimension (Arora). Ten years after introducing the special theory of relativity, Einstein came up with the general theory of relativity, which states that matter causes space to curve. The theory of general relativity aided the evolution of such ideas as gravitational time dilation and the flow of spacetime ("General Relativity"). Thus, Einstein's theories changed the world as we know it, impacting new technologies to new philosophies, and his ideas have altered astronomy, astrophysics, and even our view of everyday life. One of the most recognizable technological innovations based on relativity theory is the global positioning system or GPS. The GPS has been incorporated in numerous areas used by people every day. When people get behind the wheel of a modern automobile or airplane, they count on the precision of a G PS to guide them to their destinations. The scientific thought behind such navigation systems is complex and relies on calculations based on the theory of relativity. First, these navigation systems need a series of satellites in orbit around the earth in order to work. Of these satellites, four have to be visible at any point on the earth to triangulate their positions to provide exact measurements up to a few meters. Each satellite carries an atomic clock wit h precision up to one nano-second. These times must be extremely precise to produce the desired accuracy (Pogge). By using Einstein's ideas of relativity, we assume that the satellite will be in motion relative to us. In this case, the special theory of relativity says the clocks on the satellites will tick slower then the clocks on the earth. Additionally, general relativity says that the curvature in spacetime due to the mass of the earth should make the clocks on the satellites appear to tick faster because they are farther from the earth’s surface. Through mathematical calculations combining the effects of special and general relativity, scientists are able to determine the difference between clocks on the earth and clocks on the satellites. Without including this variation, GPS error would accumulate by ten kilometers per day (Pogge). Another important technology influenced by Einstein's theory of relativity is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy has shaped world history in the past and will have a great influence on the earth's future. From the atomic bombs dropped on Japan to end World War II to the nuclear arms race  between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, nuclear weapons had a pronounced effect on history. Now, nuclear energy is a technology of importance to the future. With depleting natural resources, there is a need for a safe, clean, and non-diminishing source of energy to power homes and appliances. When Albert Einstein first conceived the ideas of relativity, he never thought it would be put to use to create immense amounts of power. What Einstein did know and did create was the idea that E=mc² (energy equals the mass times the speed of light squared). This equation has helped scientists cope with the massive amounts of energy emitted from nuclear reactions. Scientists then can precisely calculate the mass needed to produce the required, yet safe, amounts of energy (Possel). While it is not necessarily true to say that if Einstein had not created his views on relativity or his famous equation that nuclear energy would not have happened, his breaking ideas certainly helped the push toward a new energy era and his classic equation is the tool that allows us to measure the binding energies. The greatest effect of Einstein's theory of relativity was its effect on how humans viewed the universe. The implications of relativity were so groundbreaking, that this theory revolutionized philosophical thought. Some used Einstein's theory of relativity to question moral philosophies. Early Greek philosophers, such as Aristotle, thought there was an absolute truth, a right or wrong, and you were obligated to do something. However, with new views on relativity, philosophers noted that "facts are no longer absolute, but instead dependent upon your viewpoint, your own philosophical inertial reference frame" (Arora). Everything varies from person to person due to different reference points. Even right and wrong change from person to person. With such epic philosophical changes, relativity fueled postmodernism and philosophic relativism (Arora). Relativism is the idea that human judgments are always conditioned by the specific social environment of a particular person, time, or place. It fits perfectly with the idea of inertial reference frame that Einstein created. Arguably one of t  h  e m  o    st important scientific theories ever conceived, our society has accepted Einstein's idea of relativity and used it to create beneficial technologies,   harvest energy, and expand philosophical debate. Transportation from place to place by navigational systems only works due to the theory o f relativity. Likewise, one of the answers to our planet's energy crisis could be nuclear power, fueled by the equation E=mc². Furthermore, the view of our world has been contoured by Einstein's ideas; philosophy has never been the same since relativity's introduction. Today, the theory of relativity continues to spur new scientific inquiry. The future is a promising time, and even time travel and teleportation can some day be possible with the support of Einstein's theories.

__Works Cited__ Arora, Hans. "Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science? — Science in Society." __Home — Science in Society__. 20 Oct. 2008. 26 Jan. 2009 .

//This fantastic website provided vast amounts of facts and knowledge to all persons. Applying to relativity, the web page pertains to anyone in the general public who desires to learn more. From Einstein's history, to the applications of his theory of relativity, the site was extremely helpful and up to date. Science in Society has the credentials to write this site. It is a great site.// __Defense Industry Daily__. 27 Jan. 2009 .

//This site consists of a computer generated graphic of a satellite orbiting the earth. For anyone searching the web for a visual of what a satellite looks like, this would be a big help. A GPS satellite, the picture provides a visual for what is circling the earth. No author is listed, but is reasonablly new.// "General Relativity." __NCSA Web Archive__. 11 July 1995. 24 Jan. 2009 .

//This site provides a widespread amount of information to the general public or whoever desires to learn about general relativity and more. The web page informs people of Einstein, flow of space time, and much more. Although the site is over a decade old, it appears as though the information is still pertains today. However, many of the links to animations do not work anymore. The NCSA wrote the article and has the credentials to do so, without being bias to one side.//

Pogge, Richard W. "GPS and Relativity." __The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy__. 15 Dec. 2005. 27 Jan. 2009 .

//This web page written by a qualified professor at the Ohio State University Department of Astronomy provides detailed, yet easily understandable facts about how satellites use the theory of relativity. Aimed towards anyone wanting to know how satellites incorporate relativity while in orbit, this site a reliable source from only a few years ago//.

Possel, Markus. "From E=mc^2; to the atomic bomb." __Einstein Online__. 3 Aug. 2007. 27 Jan. 2009 .

//This stie has complicated details on how Einstein's classic equation affected the creation of nuclear energy. However, dificult concepts are utilized within the text, directing it for a higher level. The common man could probably understand the main point on how the equation is used as a tool to calculate nuclear energy. Up to date and well written, this site contains valuable information on how Einstein's helped create the energy of the future.//