tonyb

 __ Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity  __ Relativity is a theory that was produced by German-born American physicist Albert Einstein in 1905. This theory is divided into two sub-theories. These theories are (1) The special theory of relativity, which was published in 1905. This theory states that the speed of light is the same for all observers, whatever their relative motion. The laws of nature are the same in all inertial frames. (2) The general theory of relativity, announced in 1915. Einstein's theories explain the behavior of matter, energy, time and space. Physics are based on these two theories. The theory of relativity has helped scientists today make rapid advancements in technology. These advancements include nuclear energy, GPS, and the use of X-ray telescopes.   __ Nuclear Energy  __

=
After developing his theory of relativity, Albert Einstein helped develop the atomic bomb. This form of nuclear energy was used to destroy cities in World War II. Although then, his theory of relativity was utilized to destroy, today it is helping to create. With the earth's natural resources being diminished, new forms of energy are being created and utilized. Nuclear energy is relatively low cost and is very clean. Also, this form of energy can never be depleted. Einstein's famous equation E=mc². Knowing that the amount of energy produced from a reaction is equal to the mass times the speed of light squared helps scientists predict and control the amount of energy they produce.  =====

__ GPS __Today, you can find it in almost three quarters of the cars on the road. Fighter jets use it to find there way home and to locate their targets. It has made lives of traveling people easier and safer. This piece of technology is of course GPS (Global Positioning System) navigation. This advancement is complex and uses the theory of relativity to be as precise as possible. GPS navigation uses a series of satellites in space scattered around Earth to locate a person's position down to a couple of meters. Not all of these satellites are used simultaneously. Four orbiting satellites must be able have transmit a direct signal to the system on Earth. Each satellite carries an atomic clock wit h precision up to one nano-second. These times must be extremely precise to produce the accuracy. These satellites will be in motion relative to our position on Earth. This is stated in Einstein's theory. The clocks on the satellites will tick slower then the clocks on the earth according to special relativity and 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 according to general relativity. GPS error would accumulate to 10 kilometers a day if scientists did not take into consideration the difference in the satellite clocks and the clocks here on Earth. Without a doubt, GPS makes our lives easier.

__ X-ray Telescopes __Another piece of techno logy that Einstein's theory helped to produce, and perhaps the most mystical, is X-ray telescopes and satellites. These machines allow us to view deep into realms of space that scientists in the days of Einstein, didn't know existed. This X-ray technology allows scientists to observe black holes and neutron stars more closely. By observing these areas, the fourth dimension, or spacetime can more easily be examined. These areas have extreme gravity, which general relativity defines as a result of mass distorting both space and time Lochner. Satellites work by shooting matter into a neutron star or a black hole which will "shine" in the X-rays. This happens in the areas closest to the center of a black hole because this is where gravity is the greatest. X-rays also have the ability to go through dust and gas which surrounds black holes and neutron stars. Understanding the mysteries of the universe will ultimately unlock new doors to even more advance technology and philosophies. 

=
Einstein was ahead of his time when he created the theory of relativity. Priceless pieces of technology have been produced with the understanding of this theory. GPS allows us to travel safely and easily. X-ray telescopes allow us to peer deep into the universe and understand how the world in which we live works. And Nuclear energy will allow us to remain on this planet along with all other species with its efficient production of clean energy. Although we have made such huge advancements in the last century, it is possible and even likely that these advancements aren't even close to full extent of how we will use the theory of relativity to produce new technology in the future. =====

Pogge, Richard W. "GPS and Relativity." __The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy__. 15 Dec. 2005. 27 Jan. 2009 .
//This site provides information about the relationship between GPS and the theory of relativity. It is written by a professor at the Ohio State University Department of Astronomy//

X-ray Astronomy Puts Einstein to the Test." __Imagine The Universe! Home Page__. 27 Jan. 2009 < http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/doc>. //This site compares science today to what Einstein formulated in his time. The website is valid.//

Possel, Markus. "From E=mc^2; to the atomic bomb." __Einstein Online__. 3 Aug. 2007. 27 Jan. 2009 <http://www.einstein-online.info/en/spotlights/atombombe/index.html>. //This site talks about nuclear energy and its relationship to the theory of relativity. The author, Possel is a well respected professor of Physics.//