Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in 1905 & 1916
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Einstein’s Theory of Relativity in 1905 & 1916

Albert Einstein has two separate theories of relativity: Einstein’s theory of relativity was put forward in his 1905 paper. And the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies and his theory of general relativity was published in 1916.

Einstein attempted to explain situations in which Newtonian physics may fail to deal successfully with phenomena and proposed revolutionary changes in human concepts of time, space, and gravity.

The special theory of relativity was based on two posts:

  1. The light’s speed is constant for all observers.
  2. Those observers moving at constant speeds must be subject to the same physical laws.

Moreover, Einstein theorized that time should change according to the speed of a moving object relative to the frame of reference of an observer. Scientists have tested it through experiments and proven it.

For instance, an atomic clock ticks more slowly while traveling at high speed than when it is not moving.

The core of Einstein’s paper was about space and time being relative (more than absolute), which was true in a special case, the absence of a gravitational field.

Einstein’s theory of Relativity was a stunning concept at the time. All over the world, scientists debated Einstein’s famous equation, E=mc2, in which matter and energy were equivalents. More specifically, a single particle of matter can be converted into a huge quantity of energy.

However, the special theory of relativity only held in the absence of a gravitational field; Einstein tried for 11 more years to work gravity into his equations and discover how relativity could work generally.

According to the theory, matter causes space to curve. It is stated that gravitation is not a force, as cleared by Newtonian physics, but a curved field in the space-time continuum made by the presence of mass.

However, according to Einstein, that theory can be tested by measuring the deflection of starlight traveling near the sun; he correctly postulated that light deflection could be twice that expected by Newton’s laws.

Furthermore, Einstein’s theory also explained why the light from stars in a strong gravitational field was closer to the red end of the spectrum than those in a weaker one.

Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Unified Field Theory

Einstein tried to find a unified field theory in which all matter and energy properties can be expressed in a single equation. His search emphasizes Quantum theory’s uncertainty principle, stating that the movement of a single particle can never be accurately measured because speed and position would not be simultaneously assessed with any degree of assurance.

However, he was unable to find the comprehensive theory that he sought. Still, Einstein’s theory of relativity is the pioneering work which has allowed other scientists to put ideas on the quest for what some have called ‘’the holy grail of physicists’’.

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