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 * __The Impact of Relativty: Special and General[[image:Relativity-formula.png width="322" height="316" align="right" caption="Einstein's equation"]]__**

Einstein's concepts of special and general relativity impacted many fields of sciences that helped solved many problems scientists, astronomers, and physicists faced during his time and ours.


 * __Background Information__**

As we know, Albert Einstein is credited for inventing the famous theory of relativity. The theory of relativity is based on the analysis of time and space and is separated into two concepts: special relativity and general relativity. Einstein produced the special theory of relativity in 1905. Special relativity compiles many ideas into one big theory. The idea of space and time are essential in explaining the concept of special relativty. It states that gravity is not actually a force, nor does it actually pull objects towards the center, but its really a curvature reacting to the objects near it. As an object is passing by, it will appear as if its passing by, but its actually traveling along a straight line that was in an empty space. This is the referred to as the four dimensional space-time continuum, where three dimensions are for space and one for time. Another huge component for special relativity is the principle of the speed of light. This principle is based off Einstein's famous equation, E=mc^2, which states that energy and mass can be tranformed together and that any movement greater than the speed of light is impossible. Before Einstein developed this principle,Scottish scientist James Maxwell was already analyzing this principle by forming mathematical equations for elctromagnetism. One of the equations for the speed of elctromagnetic waves included the speed of light. From here, he concluded that the speed of light is a constant and it was the same value for everyone. Many years later, scientists such as Albert Michelson, Hendrik Lorentz, and George FitzGerald tried to prove this hypothesis, but only made it more confusing. In 1915, Einstein developed the theory of general relativity, which was derived from the previous theory.

The theory of general relativity is based solely on the principle of equivalence. The principle of equivalence has two statements that are basically interchangeable. The first statement explains the relation of the force of gravity and the inertial force. The force of gravity has a downward force on an object which is called weight. The inertial force will behave the same way but in the opposite direction. For example, "When accelerating in car, we will be pushed back (gravity) while the inertial force moves in the same direction as the car, the reference frame". The two forces ultimately cancel each other out.

__**Statements**__

The theory of relativity had a major impact in astronomy, especially the special theory of relativity. Astronomers pondered about Mercury's orbit around the Sun for a long time. Many thought that there was another hidden planet, Vulcan, that was involved in this situation. Einstein's special relativity solved this case by explaining the principle of space and time. Astronomers are also analyzing the universe in a new way by studying cosmology and black holes. They are studying the gravitational waves within the universe that the theory of relativity helps predict. Astronomers are also trying to test Einstein's theory by studying x-rays.

X-ray astronomy is based on Einstein's general theory of relativity and gravity. Astronomers are trying to test his predictions by focusing x-ray telescopes in regions of black holes and neutron stars where gravity is extremely intense. Since telescope technology has been improving over the years, astronomers are moving closer and closer towards their goal. The telescopes are ale to penetrate through regions in black holes where matter falls through, causing explosions. Einstein's predictions have been correct thus far, so astronomers have a long way to go to contradict his theory.

Another field that the theory of relativity impacted was the GPS, or Global Positioning System. The GPS was built through precision and used relative motion to support it. The GPS was developed by the Depatment of Defense and Department of Transportation for military and civilain use. It consists of 24 satellites orbiting the Earth at a speed of approximately 14,000 km/h. The hearts of the satellites' precision are the atomic clocks embedded int them. This is the device that allows civilians who has a reciever to check their current position by comparing time siganls from 6 - 12 satellites. Engineers had to apply their knowledge of special and general relativity in order for them to be precise in the GPS. The general theory applies the principle of relative motion between the people on Earth, and the satellites orbiting Earth. Special relativity deals with the curvature of spacetime of the Earth's mass.

General relativity helped two physicsts when the Nobel prize for their discovery in the binary pulsar. These two men were Joseph Taylor and Rusell Hulse. The theory of gravitation is the number one factor that inflenced there finding of the binary pulsar. A pulsar is a star that has burnt out its nuclear fuel. Since a pulsar has such a strong gravitational field, it has allowed scientists to test the prediction of theory of gravity.

Albert Einstein's two theories of relativity and his equation E=mc^2 has proved to be an important factor in many fields of science and everday matters. Astronomers are able to find new information about the universe we live in as well as its origin. Thanks to the GPS we are able to loacte our current position in a matter of seconds. His theory gave the fundamentals of nuclear weapons and nuclear power, which could solve our eergy crisis. His theory may sound like a complicated formula, but he developed it so anyone can understand and apply it to their daily lives.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Relativity-formula.png The site for the E=mc^2 http://www.le.ac.uk/press/ebulletin/xmm_art2frontpage.jpg The site for the x-ray telescope
 * __References__**

Matthews, Robert. "The Warped Universe of Relativity Theory." __Focus__ Mar. 1995: p. 30. __Google__. 2 Feb. 2009 http://www.geocities.com/Omegaman_UK/relativity.html.

This website provided me with the general information of relativity. It included the special theory and general relativity. It also provided information on how the theory of relativity used today. Astronomy Department. "The Theory of Relativity." Cornell University. Google 2 Feb. 2009 http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/relativity.php#links

This website is mainly about astrology and cosmology. This site also talks about the theory of relativity and how it applies to astrology. It also talks about special and general relativity in terms of space and gravity.

http://scienceinsociety.northwestern.edu/content/articles/2008/research-digest/student-papers/einstein/einstein2019s-theory-of-relativity-implications-beyond-science

This site discusses relativity and how its impacted science as well as our daily lives. It also inlcudes special and general relativity.

http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/mysteries_l2/relativity.html

http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Unit5/gps.html http://science.jrank.org/pages/5790/Relativity-General.html