waggonerj

EINSTEIN'S THEORY: Influence on the Experimental Community The theory of relativity is correct in all aspects of conception and is used in many scientific experiments. Albert Einstein was the mind behind the theory of relativity. -The Theory of Relativity- All motion is relative. The position of the observation and the posion of the point determining "at rest" are the only factors deciding the motion of another object. In layman's terms the only reason things are in motion is because we say they are. Can you disprove it? The only logical thought based on this theory is that you can make no assumptions about motion; put simply you just dont know. A man can turn or the universe turns around the man. It is not however a man can turn or the "planet" turns around the man because the planet would have massive side effects. This would, however, explain global warming. (Lightman Essay) He also came up with another ground breaking theory this is called: -The Special Theory of Relativity: This theory states that light moves at the same speed whatever the observer's relative motion These Theories hve been proven by several seintific experiments The first and not the least of which is the discovery by Freundlich. Freundlich was an astronomer who measured the distance at which the planet Mercury advanced toward the sun. In Newtons original equations the planet should only be moving 5 inches per century. Fruendlich observed that Mercury moved 43". Since this was more than could be accounted for by Newton, Fruendlich searched for a different explaination at the same time Albert Einstein had just perfected his equations for gravity and wouldn't you know it, it accounted for all 43" (General Relativity).

Now an Experiment done by Michelson and Morley with beams of light proves Einstein's second Theory. in their experiment they shined a beam of light at an inferior mirror which allowed half of the light to go through it and the other half to be reflected at a 90 degree angle. the beams (the light being split by the mirror) then reflected off perfect mirrors through the mirror, half of their beams going through the mirror again and into a receiver. Now the first experiment was using the motion of the earth to its advantage, so both beams moved at the same rate and ended at the receiver at the same time. Now the next part is the more fasinating part. they turned their contraption toward the movement of the earth so theoretically the light would move slower; the kicker is it moved at the same rate (The Special Theory of Relativity). Meaning, light is not effected by outside forces it moves at the same speed no matter the motion of the observer. This conclusion is again backed by the fact that they repeated the experiment in different conditions and continued to gain the same answer.

This experiment is still on going. The experiment is measuring the effect of the Earth on the time space continuum. NASA has a gyroscope, called Gravity Probe B, in orbit around the Earth (Gravity Probe B: The Relativity Mission). This scope is being used to measure gravity and see where and how gravity affects the objects afloat around them. In the article i read it seems as though it tracks the banding of light around the Earth. It seems that the scientists involved with this experiment are trying to prove that Einstein is 100% correct.

As you can see Einstein is still having an effect on the experiments of today let alone the experiments he influenced in his lifetime.


 * Worksited:**

"General relativity." __Welcome to the Turnbull Server__. 28 Jan. 2009 . This site was used specifically for the picture of Mercury.

"NASA - Gravity Probe B: The Relativity Mission." __NASA - Home__. 28 Jan. 2009 . I used this site to find out about as well as visually aid Gravity Probe B.

"NOVA | Einstein's Big Idea | Relativity (Lightman Essay) | PBS." __PBS__. 28 Jan. 2009 . I used this site to find out about Einstein and include his picture.

"Special Theory of Relativity." __UPSCALE Home Page__. 28 Jan. 2009 . This site was used for the information on the experiment of Michelson and Morley.