Einstein's Theory of Relativity & E=mc²
- Title
- Einstein's Theory of Relativity & E=mc²
- Description
Einstein's Theory of Relativity & E=mc²
Albert Einstein published the Special Theory of Relativity in 1905 and the General Theory of Relativity in 1915.
Special Relativity (1905)
- The speed of light in a vacuum is constant ($3 \times 10^8 \text{ m/s}$) for all observers.
- Mass-Energy Equivalence: The equation $E = mc^2$ shows that energy equals mass multiplied by the speed of light squared, implying matter can be converted to energy.
- Time Dilation: Time passes slower for objects moving at high speeds.
General Relativity (1915)
- Gravity: Gravity is the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy.
- Gravitational Waves: Predicted by Einstein and confirmed by LIGO in 2015, exactly 100 years later.
- GPS Technology: Satellites must account for relativistic effects for accurate positioning.
Notable Recognition
- Einstein received the Nobel Prize in Physics (1921) for the discovery of the photoelectric effect.
- Category
- Physics
- Year of Discovery/Development
- 1905
- Key Person/Organization
- Albert Einstein