Relativity

Understanding Einstein's theories of special and general relativity

Topics

How does gravity bend space-time?

Gravity bends space-time because mass and energy curve the four-dimensional space-time fabric. According to general relativity, objects with mass create curvature, and other objects follow these curved paths, which we experience as gravitational attraction.

What is E=mc²?

E=mc² is Einstein's famous equation showing that energy (E) and mass (m) are equivalent, with c being the speed of light. It means mass can convert to energy and vice versa, explaining nuclear reactions and the energy in matter.

What is relativity?

Relativity is Einstein's theory describing how space, time, and gravity work. Special relativity deals with objects moving at constant speeds, showing that time and space are relative. General relativity describes gravity as the curvature of space-time.

What is space-time?

Space-time is the four-dimensional combination of three spatial dimensions (length, width, height) and one time dimension. According to general relativity, mass and energy curve space-time, and this curvature is what we experience as gravity.

What is time dilation?

Time dilation is the effect where time passes slower for objects moving at high speeds relative to an observer. According to special relativity, moving clocks run slower than stationary ones, and this effect becomes significant near light speed.