Einstein’s theory of general relativity
- Silvie, Lower V
There is no doubt that Einstein was a genius, his theories and discoveries changed the world of science, although at the time some of his theories were seen to be offensive and insane. One of his theories that was heavily criticised is the theory of General Relativity. This theory explains that space and time are woven into one and given the name of space-time continuum.
There is no doubt that Einstein was a genius, his theories and discoveries changed the world of science, although at the time some of his theories were seen to be offensive and insane. One of his theories that was heavily criticised is the theory of General Relativity. This theory explains that space and time are woven into one and given the name of space-time continuum.
Special relativity, another of Einstein’s theories, stated that space and time were connected but it did not take gravity into account. General relativity explains and addresses gravity in its theory.
Einstein’s calculations and predictions explain that the three dimensions of space - width, length and breadth - as well as time make up the fabric of space. Einstein named this spacetime. According to him, the shaping of the fabric of space was due to the large bodies denting the fabric. This is explained to be similar to placing a bowling ball on a trampoline as it would create a dip in the trampoline. This would then explain why the planets orbit the sun considering the mass of the sun in comparison to the mass of the planets. This could be demonstrated by then placing a ping pong ball on the same trampoline as before and watching it move around and get closer to the bowling ball - acting as the Sun. This explains gravity and why the planets orbit around the sun.
This theory opposes Isaac Newton’s theory which explains that gravity is a force of attraction between objects and rather that gravity is due to the curvature caused in the space time continuum by large bodies of mass.
Mercury’s orbit is something which had confused scientists deeply prior to the theory of general relativity. Mercury orbits around the Sun in a way which could not be explained if gravity was a force. As explained within Einstein’s theory, the shape and curvature of space-time is a result of the mass of the Sun, and the other objects, and Mercury is just merely following the path that has been bent for it. This is backed up with the equation linked to General Relativity.
