theory of relativity
Spacetime curvature explanation
The theory of relativity refers to two related physics theories developed by Albert Einstein in the early twentieth century.
Special relativity (1905) established that the speed of light is constant and that time and space are relative to the observer's motion.
General relativity (1915) extended this to gravity, describing it as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass.
The theories revolutionized physics and underpin modern understanding of the universe, from GPS satellites to black holes.
Einstein's theory of relativity showed that mass and energy are equivalent.
Deviation from flatness
- continuumUninterrupted, gradual sequence
- fabricWoven or knit material
- warpingBecoming bent or twisted
- four-dimensionalHaving four axes
interval · manifold · metric · geodesic · causality · simultaneity · event · coordinate
Device displaying time
- muonFleeting charged lepton
- simultaneityState of coexisting temporally
- inertialRelating to resistance to change
- relativisticConcerning high-speed physics
invariant · boost · aberration
Quantity of matter
- curvatureDeviation from flatness
- geodesicShortest curved-surface path
- attractionPull toward something
- freefallUnimpeded downward motion
gravitational-wave · lensing · precession · orbit · tidal · acceleration · inertia · equivalence
Collapsed star's remnant
- wormholeHypothetical spacetime tunnel
- gravitational-wavePropagating curvature of spacetime
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
- lensingCamera work, slang
Energy-mass conversion relationship
- specialUnlike the ordinary
- generalWidespread, not specialized
- mass-energyUnified physical substance
- 1905Four-digit year designation
Increase in scope
- redshiftWavelength stretch from recession
- HubbleRenowned astronomer's surname
- universeComplete system or domain
- singularityPoint where values explode
Multilinear algebraic object
- metricStandard of measurement
- covarianceJoint deviation measure
- invarianceQuality of staying unchanged
- manifoldMany and various
curvature
Deviation from flatness
four-dimensional · interval · manifold · metric · geodesic · causality · simultaneity · event · coordinate · invariant
clock
Device displaying time
- muonFleeting charged lepton
- simultaneityState of coexisting temporally
- inertialRelating to resistance to change
relativistic · invariant · boost · aberration
mass
Quantity of matter
- curvatureDeviation from flatness
- geodesicShortest curved-surface path
- attractionPull toward something
freefall · gravitational-wave · lensing · precession · orbit · tidal · acceleration · inertia · equivalence · pulsar
black-hole
Collapsed star's remnant
- wormholeHypothetical spacetime tunnel
- gravitational-wavePropagating curvature of spacetime
- GPSSatellite-based location technology
E=mc²
Energy-mass conversion relationship
- specialUnlike the ordinary
- generalWidespread, not specialized
- mass-energyUnified physical substance
1905 · 1915 · perihelion · Mercury · eclipse · Nobel · Princeton
expansion
Increase in scope
tensor
Multilinear algebraic object
- metricStandard of measurement
- covarianceJoint deviation measure
- invarianceQuality of staying unchanged
- scientific phrasesbig bang, black hole, natural selection, climate change, genetic code
- discoveriesbreakthrough, scientific discovery, finding, uncovering, detection
- breakthroughsIndustrial Revolution, scientific revolution, digital revolution, DNA discovery, printing press
- German Inventionsprinting press, diesel engine, automobile, X-ray, aspirin
theory of relativityquantum mechanics
Physics at nanoscopic scales
quantum theory · Newtonian mechanics · standard model · particle physics · Copenhagen interpretation
theory of relativityNewtonian physics
Traditional laws of motion
classical mechanics · absolute time · Newtonian mechanics · Euclidean geometry · Newton's laws of motion
theory of relativitycreationism
Divine origin doctrine
intelligent design · pseudoscience · astrology · metaphysics
theory, theories, theoretical, relativity, theoretically, theoretician, theoreticians