Theory of Relativity By Albert Einstein

Introduction: A rumor is very popular that Einstein got Nobel Prize for the "Theory of Relativity". Actually he got Nobel Prize for describing photo electric effect, one of the unresolved issues of that time in physics. But, the "Theory of Relativity" is still popular than the other theories in physics.

Primary Understanding: When consider something with respect to another thing; we usually use the term relativity. "Theory of Relativity" discuss about the relative measurements of mass, velocity and time (especially in case of special relativity). There two types of relativity proposed by Albert Einstein-

1. Special Theory of Relativity
2. General Theory of Relativity

Applicability: Special theory of relativity is applicable is case of inertial frame of references. Okay, I am explaining the term ‘inertial frame of reference’. To understand the term we need to understand what inertia is. Roughly we can say the tendency of an object to keep its state of motion constant is called inertia. Inertial frame of references means two or, more frame of references which has relatively constant speed in any direction. On the other hand, General Theory of Relativity is applicable only in case of accelerated frame of references.

Postulates Einstein Considered: Albert Einstein considered couple of postulates for each of those theories. The postulates of Special Theory of Relativity are-

• The laws of physics are same for all inertial frame of references
• The speed of light is constant in every inertial frame of references

The postulates of General Theory of Relativity are-

i. The laws of physics can be expressed in the same form in each frame of references regardless of their relative motion.

ii. A local observer cannot distinguish between acceleration and gravity.

Based on those basic postulates Einstein was able to make a new way of thinking, he superbly added a new dimension in modern Physics.

Basic Ideas of Relativity: Special theory of relativity is relatively easier to understand with respect to Special theory of relativity. Einstein showed the limitations of Newtonian mechanics. Speed, mass and time are not measured same by the different observers of different inertial frame of references. The theory tends us to use relative mass, relative speed and relative time. It produces many interesting thinking like twine paradox.

General theory of relativity makes us to think in different way. A new term space-time was introduced. Einstein described that time and space are not different, they should be pronounce or think as the same thing space-time. He applied Riemannian geometry instead of Euclidian Geometry.

Moreover, Theory of relativity is not so easier to understand but interesting enough to learn. It created a new dimension in physics. Physicists still can’t ignore this theory as they unable to produce an alternative to this epic theory.