One of two theories (also called theory of relativity) proposed by Albert Einstein, the special theory of relativity, or the general theory of relativity. The special theory of relativity or special relativity is based on the proposition that the speed of light is a constant no matter how observed, and is independent of the motion of the observer. From this follows several principles, such as the increase of mass with velocity (which has been confirmed: see relativistic mass equation) and the impossibility of acceleration to a speed greater than that of light; the equivalence of mass and energy, expressed by the famous equation E = mc2; and time dilation, which is the apparent slowing of a clock in a system, as observed by an observer in a system moving relative to the clock. The general theory of relativity is based on the proposition that there is no physical difference between gravitational force and the force produced by acceleration. From this follow several results, of which the bending of light rays in a gravitational field and the equivalence of the inertial and gravitational masses have been verified. The possible existence of black holes (believed by many astronomers to have been adequately proven) is another consequence of the theory.
See Relativity, theory of; and Relativity physics
the doctrine that measurements and perceptions are true only in relation to a given observer at a given place and time.
Either of the theories of relativity worked out by Albert Einstein. The special theory of relativity (1905) is a theory of relative motion. The general theory of relativity (1916) is a theory of gravitation.
The relative values of time, motion, mass and energy of a body in motion. Click here for more information
A theory to the structure of space and time, and its relation to gravity and motion. This theory was first introduced by Albert Einstein in 1905.
(physics) the theory that space and time are relative concepts rather than absolute concepts
The theory derived by Einstein that establishes the concept of a four-dimensional space-time continuum where there is no clear line between three-dimensional space and independent time, hence space and time are considered to be bound together.
A theory formulated by Einstein that describes the relations between measurements of physical phenomena by two different observers who are in relative motion at constant velocity (the special theory of relativity) or that describes how a gravitational field can be replaced by a curvature of space-time (the general theory of relativity).
The theories of motion developed by Albert Einstein, for which he is justifiably famous. Relativity describes the motions of bodies more accurately than does Newtonian mechanics in cases where bodies are in strong gravitational fields or travelling at speeds approaching that of light. All experiments done to date agree with relativity's preproductnameions to a high degree of accuracy. Curiously, Einstein received the Nobel prize in 1921 not for Relativity but rather for his 1905 work on the Photoelectric Effect.
Theory relating to the laws of physics developed by Albert Einstein. Part of the theory relates energy to the mass of an object and to the speed at which light travels (E=mc2).
(noun) In physics, the problem of how physical laws and measurements change when considered by observers in various states of motion. So you see, relativity is concerned with measurements made by different observers moving relative to one another. Also, simply the state of depending for existence on, or having nature, value, or quality in relation to something else. (For example, you are a child relative to your parents and a student relative to your teachers etc.)
Two theories proposed by A. Einstein; the special theory describes the motion of nonaccelerated objects, and general relativity is a theory of gravitation.
Theory of More accurately describes the motions of bodies in strong gravitational fields or at near the speed of light than newton ian mechanics. All experiments done to date agree with relativity's predictions to a high degree of accuracy. (Curiously, Einstein received the Nobel prize in 1921 not for Relativity but rather for his 1905 work on the photoelectric effect.)
A theory of physics that describes the dynamical behavior of matter and energy under peculiar circumstances, especially at very high velocities and very high densities.
A theory of physics that describes the dynamical behavior of matter and energy. The consequences of relativity can be quite strange at very high velocities and very high densities. A direct result of the theory of relativity is the equation E = mc, which expresses a relationship between mass (m), energy (E), and the speed of light (c).
Albert Einstein formulated the Theories of Special and General Relativity. Special relativity supplanted Newtonian mechanics, yielding different results for very fast-moving objects. The Theory of Special Relativity is based on the idea that speed has an upper bound; nothing can pass the speed of light. The theory also states that time and distance measurements are not absolute but are instead relative to the observer's frame of reference. Space and time are viewed as aspects of a single phenomenon, called space-time. Energy and momentum are similarly linked. As a result, mass can be converted into huge amounts of energy, and vice versa, according to the formula E=mc. General Relativity expands the theory of special relativity to include acceleration and gravity, both of which are explained via the curvature of space-time.
