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Einstein's theory of relativity Questions and Answers
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Einstein's theory of relativity
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Einstein's theory of relativityState the two principles of special relativity - answer1. observers can never detect their
uniform motion, except relative to other objects. Meaning no matter what their motion,
they aren't accelerated the laws of physics are the same for all observers
2. the velocity of light, c, is constant and will be the same for all observers, independent
of their motion relative to their light source
Distinguish between special relativity and general relativity - answerin general relativity
observers cannot distinguish locally between inertial forces due to acceleration and
uniform gravitational forces due presences of massive bodies
Equivalence princple - answerthe idea that free falling is equivalent/indistinguishable
from zero gravity
What are some key ideas of the theory of general relativity? - answerif you were able to
jump off a high building and fall freely you woundn't feel your own weight
Recognize that one's experiences of gravity and acceleration are interchangeable and
indistinguishable - answerwhen two people are falling down without any air resistance
they play catch as they free fall they accelerate downward at the same rate and feel no
the forced acting on them. so they are able to through the ball back in forth in a straight
line
What are the difference between Newtonian ideas of gravity and Enistenian ideas of
gravity? - answerNewton's ideas applies in situations where objects are moving slowly
and gravity is weak
Describe the unusual motion of Mercury around the sun and explain how general
relativity explains the observed behavior - answerMercury's wobble: it's orbit of the
planet rotates in space slightly bc of various perturbation. Mercury being the planet
closet to the sun has an orbit most affected by the warping of space time near the sun
What are some examples of evidence for light rays being bent by massive objects, as
predicted by general relativity's theory about warping of space time? - answerStarlight
passing near the sun is deflected slightly by the warping of spacetime which can be
seen during an eclipse when light passes the sun it's path is slightly altered
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