Relativity
From Exampleproblems
In physics, the term relativity is used in several, related contexts:
- Galileo first developed the principle of relativity, which is the postulate that the laws of physics are the same for all observers.
- Einstein's theory of relativity consists of special relativity' and general relativity, which are built on the principle of relativity and the local constancy of the speed of light. In these theories space and time became unified as spacetime. In general relativity, the concept that this spacetime could be curved was introduced. This curved spacetime replaced Newton's force of gravity and the source of gravitation.
The term "relativity" should not be confused with relativism. The theory of relativity is a piece of objective science with very concrete, testable consequences, while the purpose of relativism is very different, namely to question all universal truths.
Other meaning
- Relativity is also the title of a Star Trek: Voyager episode.
- Relativity was also a television series that aired on ABC from 1996 to 1997.
