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__**Theory of Relativity**__

** Thesis Statement ** The Theory of Relativity has a powerful influence on today's society because of it's interpretation of our expanding universe, the applications it gives to a x-ray telescope, and its helpfulness to understand a GPS system.

 The Theory of Relativity is very important in today's society, it was developed by the famous German theoretical physicist Albert Einstein. He received a Nobel Prize in Physics and is considered one of the most intelligent man to ever walk this earth. The Theory of Relativity is based on the principle that all motion is relative to other objects in motion. Objects move in respect to one another. The point of this theory was to try to identify the flaws between the laws of relativity and the law of gravity. Albert Einstein disagreed with Newton's Laws because he said that all forces are due to changes in acceleration. Albert Einstein split the Theory of Relativity into special and general relativity. Special Relativity was developed to demonstrate the impact of inertial frames of reference on motion; this aspect of the Theory shows that physical law portrays itself in the same form for every inertial frame. The other part of the Theory of Relativity is General Relativity. General Relativity describes gravity in relation to certain physics concepts. It combines Newton's Law of Universal Gravitation with theories discovered by Albert Einstein. The Theory of Relativity is a very complicated aspect of modern physics and continues to be interpreted even to this day.
 *  Background Information   **




 * Expanding Universe **

In Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity, the stop expanding and start contracting; however, the universe will never be stationary. Einstein also discusses the theory of time dilation where "the closer we come to traveling at the speed of light (186,000 miles per second), the more time would appear to slow down for us from the perspective of somtheory discusses our expanding universe we live in and our relationship with it. Einstein predicted that the "universe must be either expanding or contracting." (Felder) The universe is always either expanding or contracting because of the attractive nature of gravity. One day it may eone who, in relation to us, was not moving." (Nova) This is important for us because it gives us a better sense of our motion in relation to other objects in motion. Einstein wants us to realize that as our speed increases, time will decrease which is difficult to comprehend. Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity addresses our ever changing universe. I believe this is important because it would be close minded to not realize our relationship with the universe. We need to understand that the universe is always in motion and because of Albert Einstein's theory we can have a better understanding of that. If Albert Einstein never made his discoveries on the Theory of Relativity we would be uninformed of the expanding life outside of earth. This theory is important so that everyone in society has an increased knowledge of the abyss. It is always important to keep learning, and if we turn a cold shoulder to the possibilities of the universe we become too reliable on normal life.


 * X-Ray Telescope **

The X-Ray Telescope is very important in today's society because it gives us the ability to visualize objects that we wouldn't be able to see with the naked eye. "First, the power unleashed by matter crashing onto a neutron star or falling into a black hole shines predominantly in X rays, particularly in the regions closest to these objects, where gravity is at its strongest. Also, X rays can penetrate through the chaos of dust and gas surrounding black holes and neutron stars, a veil that blocks the passage of other forms of radiation." (Lochner) X Rays help use visualize objects in outer space that we wouldn't normally be able to see. It can help use get a better understanding of our universe because it's impossible to understand all that's out there. "X-ray astronomy continues to verify with greater certainty as X-ray telescope technology continues to improve." (Nova) As we become even more technologically advanced through the years we will increase our knowledge of astronomy. This will help to verify Einstein's theory. "In 2001, scientists observed the frame-dragging phenomenon. Einstein's equations predicted that a spinning object with strong gravity would take space time along for a spin with it." (Nova) This was very influential because modern scientists were able to examine an event that Einstein predicted would happen. His discovery directly affected these scientist lives; without Einstein's discoveries this event would not be very significant. This phenomenon adds more proof to Einstein's Theory. Albert Einstein was an amazing scientist and his theory helps us become more advanced technologically in the astronomy world, and the more advanced we become the better we can understand his discoveries.




 * GPS System **

The modern day GPS system has been very useful in everyday situations. "Nuclear energy has helped alleviate a portion of our reliance on non-renewable resources for our energy needs. And as those needs increase and our resources are depleted, we will be continually drawn towards the promises nuclear energy has already fulfilled for other parts of the world that have more readily accepted it as a major energy supplier. It is also difficult to imagine the military and combat today without conjuring images of nuclear warheads and nuclear-powered submarines. These technologies rely on relativity through GPS. However, GPS enables not only the Department of Defense, but also the commuter who has just taken a wrong turn and the couple searching for a restaurant." (Arora) It is evident that Einstein's theory has been useful in many aspects of life. GPS' uses constellations in the sky to help us determine our place on earth in relation to other places. Einstein's Theory of Relativity gives us more information on constellations and other aspects of space, so it makes the GPS system easier to understand. The Global Positioning Satellite allows people to pinpoint their exact locations. The GPS has only become useful because of Albert Einstein's discoveries in the early 1900's. The GPS is used by all types of people; it can be used by the average everyday American citizen, but it is also used by the United States' most elite military personnel. The GPS has made life much easier for all people of the world, and it would not be available to us if it was not for Albert Einstein.

 **Conclusion ** Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity isn't some old physics discovery that has no use in today's culture, but it is a foundation for some of the most advanced technological discoveries in science. Albert Einstein's Theory impacts our society because it gives us a better view of our expanding universe, it helps establish the concepts of the X-Ray Telescope, and it also is the key component in the use of the Global Positioning Satellite. The X-Ray Telescope and the GPS are very useful and important parts of today's culture. They are used by a lot of people and give us a better visual of space and also make our life much easier. The expansion of the universe is important to know because its important to know how minscule we are to the universe and our relation to it all. Although it will be impossible to ever find out all of the answers of the universe, Albert Einstein's Theory gives everyone a better understanding of what's out there. Some people think that Einstein's Theory of Relativity is useless and was only applicable in the early 1900's; however, it is obvious that the Theory of Relativity is extremely influential in today's society. Albert Einstein's discoveries gives everyone a little more knowledge and also makes life a little bit easier.



__Annotations:__ MLA citation: "Time Traveler." __Science Programming Online and In Air__. Nova. 27 Jan. 2009 . Annotation: This website is useful because it gives information on the time aspect of the Theory of Relativity. It has different time activities that can be played to better understand time dilation and other time aspects of Einstein's Theory of Relativity. This site is valid because it is a very trustworthy website because it features many different science concepts that are all accurate.

MLA citation: Felder, Gary. "Bumps and Wiggles: An Introduction to General Relativity." 2003. 27 Jan. 2009 . Annotation: This website is also reliable; it gives information on light cones, black holes, and of course gravity. It is valid because the author is not bias becuase he only tries to gives facts on what his expertise is. He does not try to explain more than he knows. He only explains what he has knowledge in. The facts that I found agree with other facts I learned about the Theory of Relativity.

MLA citation: Lochner, Jim. "X-Ray Astronomy Puts Einstein to the Test." __Nasa's Imagine the Universe__. 20 Aug. 2008. 27 Jan. 2009 <http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/mysteries_l2/relativity.html Annotation: Lochner's Website is valid because the author addresses his knowledge of x-ray telescopes. He writes about how x-ray telescopes are changed because of Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity. I also know that his facts are true because he is in association with NASA. NASA is a trustworthy source, and I am willing to believe what they tell me will be true.

MLA citation: Arora, Hans. "Einstein's Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science?" __Science in Society__. Northwestern University. 27 Jan. 2009 http://scienceinsociety.northwestern.edu/content/articles/2008/research-digest/student-papers/einstein/einstein2019s-theory-of-relativity-implications-beyond-science. Annotation: This website is very useful to get a better understanding of Albert Einstein as the person and the scientist. The website addresses the uses of the Global Positioning Satellite and its association with the Theory of Relativity. The GPS is made easier to understand because of the theories Einstein produced. I also know this site is valid because it is in association with a major university so it is credible.

MLA citation: The Theory of Relativity." __Curious About Astronomy?__ 21 Mar. 2008. 27 Jan. 2009 <http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/relativity.php>. Annotation: I know this website is credible because it is in association with one of the best universities in the country. I can trust that the information they give me will be factual and accurate. I also know this is a credible site because the facts about the speed of light and its relation with other objects seem to be accurate. I know that this site is accurate, so it is obvious that this picture is accurate and relevant to my topic.

MLA citation: Darling, David. "General Theory of Relativity." __The Internet Encyclopedia of Science__. 27 Jan. 2009 <http://www.daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/G/genrel.html Annotation: I know that David Darling's website is accurate because the information he gives is both accurate and logical. His information is easy to understand and his facts are relevant and helpful to anyone interested in learning about the Theory of Relativity. He also has several links that direct interested students into different subjects in science. I know this website is valid, so the picture i used has to also be valid.