The theory of Special Relativity explains how to interpret motion between different inertial frames of reference— that is, places that are moving at constant speeds relative to each other. Einstein says it's impossible to determine if you're moving unless you can look at another object. It also shows that measurements of distance and time depend on how fast you are travelling. This means that if someone your age goes into space for ten years and travels millions of miles, that person will come back looking two years younger than you!
The highlight of the theory is that it marked the beginning of modern physics, the post-Newtonian conception of physics that deals with the underlying structure of the smallest particles in nature. The discovery of special relativity is significant in the way in which scientists began to study on the more fundamental concept of physics instead of the more large-scale and easy-to-observed ideas such as force. This suggested that technology had took a further step towards advancement, which allowed more intricate scientific study.
The applications to nuclear energy production and synchronization of the global positioning system (GPS) satellites around the earth indicate an effect of relativity on our day-to-day activities. The military and combat today of nuclear warheads and nuclear-powered submarines rely on relativity through GPS. However, GPS enables not only the Department of Defence, but also the commuter who has just taken a wrong turn and the couple searching for a restaurant.
SPICE
Cultural- science and technology: The theory of Special Relativity changes the way human had been viewing the world around them. When a person is “running”, the observer can be considered as the one that is “running” and the runner can be considered as the motionless one. This idea amazed me and led to further study of the movement and motion of human.
Interaction between human and the environment- technology: The invention of GPS makes traveling in unfamiliar area a lot easier and it’s more efficient than traditional maps. Moreover, the GPS function in electronic products allow people to find them when they are lost. GPS is also a helpful tool used by the police to locate criminals.
Robbins, D. (2015). Einstein's Special Relativity.
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