Relativaty

[moosefly]

In simple terms could someone explain the theory of relativaty

[Obo]

The theory of relativity is in fact two theories.The special theory of relativity (1905) and the general theory of relativity (1915).

The special theory gives a unified account of the laws of mechanics and of electromagnetism. Einstein rejected the concepts of absolute space and time and made two postulates

(a) the laws of nature are the same for all observers in uniform relative motion and

(b) the speed of light is the same for all such observers.

The transformation of time implies that two events that are simultaneous according to one observer will not necessarily be so according to another in uniform relative motion. It will appear to two observers in uniform relative motion that each other's clock runs slowly. This is the known as time dilation.

The special theory of relativity is concerned with relative motion between non-accelerated frames of reference. The general theory deals with general relative motion between accelerated frames of reference.

A mathematical formulation of the special theory of relativity is based on the idea that an event is specified by four co-ordinates: three spatial co-ordinates and one time co-ordinate. These co-ordinates define a four-dimensional space and the motion of a particle can be described by a curve in this space.

[Obo]

Stole the above from here: http://freespace.virgin.net/steve.preston/relativi
ty.html

[Andromeda]

Well, to explain the thepry of relativity would take quite a while; but here are the basics:

There are actually two theories which are tied together - the special (SR) and general (GR) theories. The SR postulates that the speed of light is constant (which is proved by observation) this has implications on other things we always thought were constant - e.g. the closer to the speed of light you are travelling the more moving objects become heavier and shorter; moving clocks go slower (time dilation). SR also is the basis of possibly the most famour equation ever: E=MC2. GR is a lot more mathematical and describes the gravitational force. It postulates- the space-time continuum and goes on to show that the presence of mass and energy 'curves' space. Smaller masses affected by this curvature are said to being affected by a gravitational force. On the earth this is readily explained by Newtons laws of gravity (in effect a less accurate set of laws) but out in space is accurate enough to build up models of the evolution of the Universe.

Check out: Relativity,

Of target=_blank>http://www.physics.ucla.edu/~rae/relativity.html>R
elativity,

Of course Relativity is old hat now, M-theory is the biggie! Superstrings

Andy

[Andromeda]

Sorry - still haven't worked out how to code properly. Those URLs are:

http:\\www.superstring-theory.com and

http://www.physics.ucla.edu/~rae/relativity.html

Andy

[sft42]

NO

[sft42]

Sorry to expand that no it's not possible to explain in simple terms heck it's not even easy to explain in awkward temrs. Try reading "A brief history of time" by stephen hawking if you can wade your way through that then your getting places.

[MadScientist]

Put your hand on a hot stove for a minute, and it seems like an hour. Sit with a pretty girl for an hour, and it seems like a minute. THAT'S relativity.