Theory of relativity explained simply
The theory of relativity deals with space, time and Gravitation, and was a true milestone in physics. Many things like Warp drive and time travel advanced through a piece more into the Possible. It is made up of two theories.
- The special theory of relativity. It explains the behavior of time and space from the point of view of observers.
- The General theory of relativity. It describes gravity as a curvature of time and space, which is, for example, generated by large masses such as stars.
Albert Einstein developed the theory of relativity (source: Pixabay)
Statement
In physics it is called a reference system of a space-time Structure, which is needed to describe location-dependent processes. An inertial system is a reference system in which force-free particles of rest or with constant speed straight through lanes. For example, time passes in an inertial system is slower than in another.
- According to Einstein's special theory of relativity, all inertial are entitled to systems in nature. If the time passes in a System faster than in another, so both of these properties to meet. Time goes by so fast and at the same time normal.
- Here one must note, however, that no System or no object or particle can be faster than light. The speed of light (c) is a 299792,458 km/s, an upper limit for the speeds. The flight of a space ship with a "double light speed" in some Sci-Fi movies is not so, unfortunately, possible.
E = mc2 This means the formula
Almost everyone knows you but nobody knows how to use it: The speech is from the famous formula E = mc2. With this, the energy can be dependent on the relative mass can be calculated.
- According to Einstein, energy and mass (e.g., particles) are equivalent.
- The total energy (E) by the equation E = mc2 with m = m' : √(1 - V2 : c2) can be calculated. In this case, the mass is m' in rest position. The formula can, however, not to the "classical" physics, but applies only in the relativistic physics.
E = mc2 This means the formula
The theory of relativity: What is time dilation and length contraction are?
Depending on the speed (of an object) can the time (the passing of the object relative to the observer) or length (of the object) can be influenced. Time and length are dependent on the speed.
- The faster an object moves, the slower time passes relative to a stationary observer. Also in the vicinity of large masses, the time passes slower. Further details can also be found in our article on the topic of "time dilation".
- If an object is moving in space at high speed, is also compressed, its length (in the direction of the speed). Also, refer to a separate article, with the length contraction is concerned.
Time dilation for objects (source: CHIP)
Curvature of space and time: Big masses in space
Finally, we want to dedicate ourselves to the large masses in space (such as, for example, a planet).
- As you already from our article on time dilation know, passes the time in the vicinity of large masses slower.
- Large masses, such as, for example, a star, curves space (and time). You can use this phenomenon as a large cloth present, which is located to the bottom "curves" if you have something heavy, such as, for example, a water-melon on this submit. Similarly, the space-time is curved. Thus, light is bent by large masses.
Relativity: Large masses in space (source: Pixabay)
Einstein's theory of relativity: with These formulas you should be able to
In the relativistic physics, many different formulas are used. We show you the most important that you should know.
- The formula for the relative time is ∆t' = ∆t : √(1 - V2 : c2). In this example we want to calculate now how many seconds in a System offense, which is moving at 200000 km/s: ∆t' = 5s : √(1 - (200000000 m/s)2 : (299792458 m/s)2) ≈ 6,712 p. This means that while in a accelerated System 5 seconds elapse, pass away in a dormant System around 7 seconds! At the speed of light stands in the denominator of a 0. It would, therefore,∞.
- The formula of length contraction is l = l' ⋅ √(1 - V2 : c2). Here, the relative length of the base length, and depends on the speed. At the speed of light, the length would be 0!
- In addition, you know from this article the formula E = mc2, with m = m' : √(1 - V2 : c2).
- Finally, there is (for professionals), the formula of the relativistic Doppler effect. The Doppler effect you perceive, for example, if a police car with siren passing you by. This phenomenon is analogous to the relativistic physics transfer: The frequency depends on the speed. If the transmitter and receiver to remove electro-magnetic waves (e.g., light) from each other, the frequency is changed. It applies: f' = f ⋅ √((1 - V : c) : (1 + V : c))
- If you master these basic formulas, you can solve many relativistic problems.
In the next tip we will explain what gamma radiation is.
