Einstein's Relativity Theories

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

According to the theory of relativity, what is always relative?

  • Neither space nor time
  • Both space and time (correct)
  • Only space
  • Only time

What is a fundamental postulate in Einstein's special theory of relativity?

  • Energy can be created or destroyed depending on the frame of reference.
  • Objects increase in length as they approach the speed of light.
  • The laws of physics are the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion. (correct)
  • The speed of sound is constant for all observers.

What phenomenon is described as the rate at which time decreases with an increase in a person's velocity?

  • Time dilation (correct)
  • Energy equivalence variations
  • Mass increase
  • Length contraction

What does the equation E = mc² express?

<p>The equivalence of mass and energy (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the General Theory of Relativity propose about gravity versus acceleration?

<p>Gravity and acceleration are indistinguishable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of General Relativity?

<p>Time passes more slowly in stronger gravitational fields. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Suppose an astronaut is traveling in a spacecraft at a significant fraction of the speed of light. Compared to an observer on Earth, what would the astronaut observe about their own clock?

<p>The astronaut's clock would run at the same rate. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If two events occur simultaneously for one observer, what does the principle of 'relativity of simultaneity' suggest?

<p>They may not be simultaneous for another observer in relative motion. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

An object is moving at a very high speed relative to an observer. According to the theory of length contraction, how will the observer perceive the length of the object in the direction of motion?

<p>Shorter than if it were at rest (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Imagine you're in a rocket accelerating at 9.8 m/s². According to the General Theory of Relativity, what would an observer inside the rocket perceive?

<p>The effects of a gravitational field similar to Earth's (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the theory of relativity, what happens to light as it passes near a massive object?

<p>It bends. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of relativity, what does it mean to say 'all motion must be relative to a frame of reference'?

<p>Motion can only be measured relative to another object or point. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering the concept of mass-energy equivalence, what happens to an object's mass as its kinetic energy increases?

<p>The mass increases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If an observer measures the speed of light from a source moving towards them at high speed, what will they observe?

<p>The speed c, regardless of the source's motion (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following scenarios provides evidence for the effects of gravitational time dilation, as predicted by General Relativity?

<p>GPS satellites require corrections to their atomic clocks due to their motion relative to observers on Earth. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Relativity

Space and time are relative, and motion is relative to a reference frame. Laws of physics are consistent everywhere.

Relativity Theorem

There is no absolute reference frame and light's speed is constant regardless of the observer’s motion.

Theory of Relativity

Albert Einstein's theory encompassing Special and General Relativity.

Special Relativity

Deals with space-time structure. It postulates constant speed of light and universal laws of physics.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Time Dilation

Time slows down with increased velocity; time stops at light speed.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Relativity of Simultaneity

Simultaneous events for one observer may not be for another in relative motion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Length Shrinking

Objects moving relative to an observer appear shorter in the direction of motion.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Mass-Energy Equivalence

E=mc²; Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared, mass increases with velocity.

Signup and view all the flashcards

General Relativity

Being at rest in gravity equals accelerating. Gravity bends light and affects time.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Gravitational Time Dilation

Gravity influences time; clocks in higher gravity run slower.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

  • Relativity is a theorem Albert Einstein formulated, stating that space and time are relative
  • All motion is relative to a frame of reference

Relativity Theorem

  • There is no absolute reference frame
  • Velocity can be measured if the object or momentum is in relation to other objects
  • The speed of light is constant, despite the observer's speed

Einstein's Theory of Relativity

  • Encompasses two theories: Special Relativity Theory and General Relativity Theory

Special Theory of Relativity

  • Einstein introduced this term in 1905
  • It deals with the structure of space-time
  • The laws of physics are the same for everyone, no matter the observer's velocity
  • The speed of light is constant, regardless of motion of the light source or observer

Time Dilation

  • Explained by Einstein
  • The rate at which time decreases corresponds to an increase of a person's velocity
  • If one can equal the velocity of light then time stops
  • This concept laid the foundation for time travel

Consequences of Special Relativity Theory

  • Relativity of simultaneity: two actions that are simultaneous for one person may not be for another due to relative motion
  • Length shrinking: objects appear shorter in the direction they are moving with respect to the observer
  • Mass-Energy Equivalence: E = mc², where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the velocity of light

General Theory of Relativity

  • Developed by Einstein from 1907-1915
  • Being at rest in the gravitational field and accelerating are identical physically
  • Observers see balls falling the same way on rockets and on Earth
  • Rocket acceleration equals 9.8 m/s²
  • This theory relates to Newton’s gravitational theory and special relativity

Consequences of General Relativity

  • Gravitational Time Dilation: Gravity influences the passage of time
  • Clocks run slower in deeper gravitational wells than in general gravitational levels
  • Light rays bend in the gravitational field
  • Areas of the universe are expanding and are moving away from Earth faster than the speed of light

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

More Like This

Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser