rwalker

** Analyzing the Theories of Relativity and How It Impacts the World of Science **  //With the theories of relativity by its side, the world of science is impacted in enormous ways including the works of GPS (Global Positioning System), the speed of light and how it is understood as well as the study of black holes and how they form.// **Beneficial Background Information:**
 * GPS (Global Positioning System) was developed by the United States Department of Defense. When it was exposed, its purpose was to be used for military and civilian reasons such as directing people where to go when in a foreign area.
 * Predicted by Einstein in the theory of Special Relativity, the speed of light is identical to all observers no matter what their relative speeds are.
 * Going along with the Special Relativity predictions, the laws of physics are the same in any inertial reference frame.
 * Black holes are regions of space that has a gravitational force that is so great; matter, light or forms of communication cannot escape whatsoever.
 * It is believed from Einstein's Big Idea that black holes form from collapsed stars.

In order for **GPS** to be accurate and function correctly, the investigators of this process looked into Einstein's theory of Special Relativity which stated that due to time dilation (time's increase of gap between ticks) the satellite's time becomes about 7 micoseconds behind everyday the GPS system is functioning. And as well as Special Relativity, General Relativity came into the picture. When seeing that the curvature of spacetime is less in the satellites orbit than it is on the Earth's surface, the prediction in the General Relativity theory depics that clocks closer to an object with more mass will tick slower than those further away. Calculations made by investigators of the DoD (dep. of defense) using General Relativity showed that each satellite in orbit would become ahead of the ground-based clocks by 45 micoseconds. To compensate for the time loss, the team of investigators slowed the ticking of the satellites' clocks before launching them into space. The **speed of light** in the special relativity is shown as being the same for all observers. Einstein's theory has said that even though observers may think that the speed of light is not detectable, it is the same. "The speed of light will be seen to be the same relative to any observer, //independent// of the motion of the observer." (Special Relativity [SLAC VVC]). From Einstein's theory, given this fact, we can define the amount of speed of light which is a "constant of nature" (Special Relativity [SLAC VVC]). As a side note--remember that this does not associate with the motion of regular objects with mass.



**Black holes** are believed to originate from stars which collapse in space. When stars are unable to generate heat and light into space, this causes them to be unable to support themselves against their inward gravity with outward gravity coming from their interior power and strength. Every star in fact are bound to collapse sometime in their life span. This happens when they are unable to produce nuclear fuel to balance their self-gravitational force. With the use of Einstein's theory of General Relativity, physicists used Einstein's equations interwoven with their own to further their understanding and proof of black holes. With the determination of advancements in our past times and the use of Albert Einstein's theories of relativity (special and general) has created a great outlet for physicists, engineers, et cetera to strive for superb technology. From GPS to the understanding of black holes, the equations and resources Einstein has allowed the world to adhere has given a bright future for this generation and all generations beyond yours as well as mine. **References and Cited Work:**

"GPS and Relativity." __The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy__. 27 Jan. 2009 .
 * Throughout the website entitled "GPS and Relativity", the author(s) from Ohio State informed readers greatly of how GPS uniquely works as well as how engineers discovered and revised the plans due to Einstein's theories of relativity. Whether it was to the general public, scientists, or researchers, the article was very well said with phrases that anyone would be able to understand. Eventhough the website was used in context to a research project, it can be utilized in ways that many other sources can be used due to their lack of 'real words' and 'english'. With the extraordinary explanations and the proven facts, the authors' credibility is trustworthy and legitament.

"Theory: Special Relativity (SLAC VVC)." __SLAC Public Website Server__. 27 Jan. 2009 .
 * Within the website "Theory: Special Relativity (SLAC VVC)", the author(s) give brief but great information about the understanding of the speed of light as well as how it interacts and is cohesive with the theory of special relativity produced by Albert Einstein. The website can be understood by any reader due to the thorough explanations and proven facts stated. Although the purpose in this case was to create a site to propose better understandings of the theories of relativity, the website cited can be used in several other ways for example; simply receiving a better understanding of the speed of light and the theory of special relativity. As well as my other website above, this site's information is very trustworthy.

"NOVA | Einstein's Big Idea | Relativity (Lightman Essay) | PBS." __PBS__. 27 Jan. 2009 .
 * In order to promote Einstein's Big Idea and give readers a better understanding of it, there is belief that this website was created for that purpose. This website informs readers of the essence of gravity as well as the predictions and proven facts of black holes. The article includes very adequate and useful information about black holes and gravity which creates a great outlet of facts for readers wanting to know more. This website as well, is a site that was selected due to its accuracy and amazing ability to translate information into well thought but understandable text.