relativity

Special Theory of Relativity

Laws of physics are the same for all observers in uniform motion; speed of light is constant.

General Theory of Relativity

Gravity is the curvature of spacetime caused by mass; observers feel forces in gravitational fields.

E=mc² (Mass-Energy Equivalence)

Energy and mass are interchangeable, fundamental in nuclear reactions.

Time Dilation

Time runs slower for moving observers due to the constancy of light speed.

Length Contraction

Objects in motion appear shorter along the direction of motion to stationary observers.

Simultaneity

Events simultaneous to one observer may not be to another due to light speed.

Lorentz Transformations

Math relating space-time coordinates of observers in motion.

Inertial Frames of Reference

Frames where objects are at rest or move at constant velocity.

Equivalence Principle

Gravity and acceleration effects are indistinguishable locally.

Gravitational Time Dilation

Time passes slower in stronger gravitational fields.

Gravitational Lensing

Bending of light around massive objects due to spacetime curvature.

Schwarzschild Radius

Radius where escape velocity equals light speed, forming a black hole.

Frame Dragging

Rotating bodies drag spacetime around them.

Twin Paradox

Thought experiment showing time dilation effects in special relativity.

Relativistic Doppler Effect

Change in light frequency due to relative motion.

Energy-Momentum Tensor

Describes energy and momentum in spacetime in general relativity.

Michelson-Morley Experiment

Showed the constancy of light speed, prompting special relativity.

Relativistic Addition of Velocities

Formula for calculating object velocity from different observers.

Maxwell's Equations in Relativistic Form

Electromagnetic laws invariant under Lorentz transformations.

Geodesics in Spacetime

Shortest paths in curved spacetime followed by massive objects.

Precession of the Perihelion of Mercury

Anomaly explained by general relativity.

GPS and Relativity

Correcting time signals of GPS satellites using relativity.

Gravitational Redshift

Light wavelength increase due to climbing out of a gravitational well.

Hawking Radiation

Black hole radiation due to quantum effects near the event horizon.

Fermi Paradox and Lorentz Factor

Implications of relativistic travel for interstellar communication.

The Unruh Effect

Accelerating observers perceive radiation due to quantum effects.

Gravitational Waves

Ripples in spacetime, confirmed by direct observation.

Penrose Process

Energy extraction from rotating black holes.

Einstein Field Equations

Describe gravitation in general relativity.

Cosmological Constant and Dark Energy

Counteracts gravity on cosmological scales, linked to universe expansion.