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Theory of Relativity Albert Einstein's theory of Relativity has helped advance modern day science and technology. There are two sub-theories that make up this overall concept. First, the special theory of relativity, founded in 1905, states that the speed of light is constant and that the speed it which other things occur can vary. The other, the general theory of relativity, established in 1915, states that matter causes space to curve. This theory impacted new philosophies and technologies in our world today. Einstein's ideas have greatly impacted technology, cosmology, and nuclear energy as well.

One of the biggest and most widely used modern products that are a result of Einstein's workings is the GPS, global positioning system. GPS is used in most modern day automobiles and aircraft as well as other forms of tranportation. People depend on these devices to get them exactly where they need to go, but may not know how it actually works. The inner-workings of this system are very complex. In order to scan the entire earth, there need to be a series of satellites orbitting the earth. These satellites are expected to make pinpoint calculations; they are useless if the accuracy is off. At least four satellites need to visable from one spot on the earth in order to provide these calculatoins down to a couple meters (Pogge). There are clocks in side each satellite that provide data within a nano-second. According to the special theory of relativity, these clocks should be moving slower than clocks on Earth. However the general theory of relativity says that because spacetime is displaced by the mass of the Earth the clocks should seem to tick faster because they are further from the earth's surface (Pogge). By combing calculations of both theories, scientists can find the difference between the clocks in space and the ones on earth.

In 1917, Einstein and others began applying the theory of relativity to the thought of evolution and the structure of the universe. Alexander Friedmann, a Russian mathematician and meteorologist, formulated the leading cosmology theory in 1922 (Lightman). It is known as the "big bang theory." He began with Einstein's equations from the general theory of relativity and was able to find solutions to determine that the universe started in extremly high density and tempertature. According to this theory, the universe expanded out over time it cooled as it did so. The equations also aided in predicting that the universe is over 10 billion years old (Lightman). It was obtained from studying the rate at which galaxies fly away from each other. They galaxy may still be expanding and will expand more in the future if the the inward gravity is not sufficient to counterbalance the outward motion of galaxies.

Another important discovery backed by Einstein's theory of realtivity is nuclear energy. It has played a huge role on the earth in the past and probably will again in the future. With natural resources being used up so fast, this form of energy will most likely be used a lot in the near future. Atomic bombs dropped on Japan, arms races with powerful nations such as the Soviet Union, and the uses nuclear energy as a power source: all ways in which nuclear energy has effected our world everyday. Despite many peoples' beliefs that Einstein had direct links to the making of the atomic bomb, he actually didn't ("Relativity"). In 1939, a group of physicists, including Einstein, sent a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt suggesting the production of such a weapon and proposing the fact that the German government may have been embarking on the same adventure. The letter, signed only by Einstein, aided in the urgency of the creation of the bomb, however Einstein did not even know of the creation process. His job was to supply theoretical information to the project so the creators had an idea of relative concepts ("Relativity").

Unknown by many people, the theory of relativity has had an enormous effect on the world. Its principles helped make great advancements in the scientific and technological worlds. Einstein's ideas have now given us an alternate energy source, the ability to navigate to an unknown destination, and extremely powerful explosives. Relativity helps arouse new questions and possibilities in the science world today for scientists to solve. As unlikely as it sounds, technology such as time travel may become possible in the future with the help of Einstein's equations of relativity. The theory of Relativity has changed our world greatly in the past and will surely aid new inventions and discoveries in the future.

Works Cited __Albert Einstein__. <[|http:////www.myanmars.net/myanmar-history/albert-einstein-quote.html//]>.

//This picture was found on a site from the country of Myanmar with no information but along with a quote of Einstein's.//

__Atomic Bomb Explosion__. 25 Jan. 2008. <__h__[|ttp://americanhistory.exteen.com/20080125/two-nation-live-on-edge-2]>.

//This site gave information of U.S. and U.S.S.R. atomic and hydrogen bomb testing after World War II. This is a picture of the Soviet's first tested atomic bomb in 1949.//

__Black Hole__. 29 Oct. 2007. <[|Http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2007/10/supermassive--1.html]>.

//This site is about supermassive black holes being discovered billions of light years away. It is involved with the National Optical Astronomy Observatory and has all sources listed as well.//

__Galaxy__. .

//This picture was found on a site that was discussing a cosmology and philosophy dialogue for Claremont Graduate University.//

Lightman, Alan. "Relativity and the Cosmos." __NOVA Science Programming On Air and Online__. June 2005. PBS. 27 Jan. 2009 .

//This site was very well-written and informative about the theory of relativity. The site was very professional and this organization has high credentials and a very good reputation. The info is out there for anyone curious to learn the basics of this theory and also get a more in-depth look at some specifics and examples. I used this site specifically for its informaion about Einstien's part in using the theory of relativity to discuss evolution.//

Pogge, Richard W. "GPS and Relativity." __The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy__. 9 Sept. 2008. Ohio State University. 27 Jan. 2009 .

//This site was written by a proffesor from Ohio State University. He teaches in the atronomy department and is well-qualified to teach about this topic. The page provides facts and concepts of how GPS works with satellites orbiting the earth--all tying into the theory of relativity. i got info from this site in regards to how the satellites work with GPS to provide pinpoint calclations. Also, it talked about how the eguations of the special theory and the general theory tied together to help scientists figure out the difference in time on clocks on earth and in space.//

"Relativity." __The Big View__. Ed. Thomas Knierim. 17 Mar. 2008. 27 Jan. 2009 .

//The editor is very well-educated and highly-qualified to teach this information. The site provides a lot of background facts to prove legitimacy. The site gives and overall view of the theory of relativity and breaks it down into little parts with examples and descriptions of each part. I used this site to learn about Einstein's involvement with the founding of nuclear power. I also discovered how his equations were used to help jumpstart the creation of the atomic bomb.//

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