General Relativity Overview

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Questions and Answers

What does the principle of relativity state regarding the laws of physics?

They only apply to stationary observers.
They are the same for all observers in uniform motion. (correct)
They change depending on the light source.
They are different for each observer.

Which phenomenon indicates that two events may appear simultaneous to one observer but not to another?

Mass-energy equivalence
Gravitational time dilation
Relativity of simultaneity (correct)
Length contraction

What does the equation $E = mc^2$ represent?

Energy equals mass times the gravitational force.
Energy is the product of mass and time.
Energy equals mass times the speed of light squared. (correct)
Energy is directly proportional to the speed of light.

In terms of gravitational fields, what does general relativity suggest about clocks?

Clocks run slower in stronger gravitational fields. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What consequence arises from the relationship between acceleration and gravitational rest according to general relativity?

Being at rest in gravity and accelerating are physically equivalent. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of space in scientific terms?

A vast three-dimensional region. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is time characterized in scientific contexts?

A measure of the duration of an event. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the concept of space-time combine?

Three-dimensional space and one-dimensional time. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key distinction between Special Relativity and General Relativity?

Special Relativity applies to objects moving at constant speeds. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a consequence of General Relativity?

The bending of light around massive objects. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly defines spacetime?

A mathematical model combining three spatial dimensions and one time dimension (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by the relativity of simultaneity in special relativity?

Events viewed as simultaneous by one observer may not be seen as simultaneous by another (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does length shrinkage affect a moving object as perceived by an observer?

The object appears shorter in the direction of motion (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the mass-energy equivalence principle express?

Energy and mass are equivalent and described by the equation $E = mc^2$ (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main assertion of general relativity regarding gravity?

Gravity is a curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy (C) Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon describes how time is affected by strong gravitational fields?

Gravitational time dilation causes time to pass more slowly (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a space-time diagram, what do the horizontal and vertical axes represent?

Position and time in physical coordinates (D) Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does light ray deflection have in the context of general relativity?

Light rays are bent by strong gravitational fields (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Space

A vast and boundless three-dimensional region that extends beyond Earth's atmosphere and encompasses the universe. It provides a framework for the arrangement of objects and events in the cosmos.

Time

A measure of the duration of an event or the interval over which changes occur. It can be measured in units like seconds, minutes, hours, and years.

Space-Time

A four-dimensional concept combining three spatial dimensions (length, width, height) and one temporal dimension (time). It's the framework in which events occur and objects move.

What is space-time in physics?

A concept in physics that describes the relationship between space and time. It postulates that space and time are not separate entities but are intertwined and influenced by gravity.