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=   The Theory of Relativity affects and will continue to affect society   =

What is the Theory of Relativity?
**Special Relativity**- In 1905, Albert Einstein developed the first theory. It stated that there is no ether (which physicists Albert A. Michelson and Edward W. Morley had believed was the element that filled the universe and through which light waves traveled), and that the speed of light is the same for all observers. It also said that all inertial frames have the same laws of nature (Dine, Michael. "Relativity."). **General Relativity**- Because Special Relativity was not consistent with Newton’s law of gravitation, Einstein published the theory of General Relativity. This theory explains that gravity is the distortion of space-time due to matter and energy. Mass and energy are equivalent. Light has energy and for that reason is affected by gravity (Dine, Michael. "Relativity."). The Theory of Relativity’s equation is //E = mc//// 2 // (an object’s energy is equal to the object’s mass times the object’s squared speed of light.)
 * There are two parts to the Theory of Relativity:**



So, why should people care?
**The theory of relativity has had a positive impact on society.** Without the knowledge of the theory, devices that use radioactivity, electricity, and the Global Positioning System (GPS) could not have been invented. **     By applying the Theory of Relativity’s concept that mass can give off energy, people can use radioactivity to make many devices function.** Radioactivity occurs when unstable elements loose protons, consequently loosing mass, and therefore loosing energy. The energy that is given off affects the surroundings; the effect is known as radioactivity. Because humans understand that mass can give off energy, radioactivity is vastly used in the world. Some examples in which it is used are PET-scans, smoke detectors, and exit signs ( Tyson, Peter, "The Legacy of //E = mc// // 2 // "). **Therefore, many items that are used in society would not exist if the Theory of Relativity was not employed.** **



Also by using the knowledge that mass emits energy, humans produce electricity**. Nuclear power plants force atoms together in a process called fusion. During fusion, the nuclei of two atoms are combined. If the mass of the combined nuclei is less than that of the sum of the separate nuclei, the “missing” mass transforms into heat energy. As NOVA explains, “When two hydrogen atoms fuse to form a helium atom, the mass of the resulting helium is less than the two hydrogen atoms, with the missing mass manifesting itself as fusion energy,” ( Tyson, Peter, "The Legacy of //E = mc//// 2" // ). T he heat energy may then be converted into electricity (Dine, Michael. "Relativity."). **It is needless to say that without electricity, society would not be the same; there would be no computers, televisions, electric kitchens, heating, and many other things on which people depend today. ** **Due to human’s understanding of the Theory of Relativity’s statement that the measure of time is dependant on different points of reference, the GPS is able to accurately function.** The GPS uses 24 different satellites. Because each satellite is at a different location, the time at each satellite is measured differently. The satellites separately transmit a signal which tells the individual times to the receiver. The receiver relates the times and figures out its location as well as the distances that its user must travel. ( The University of New South Wales, "Practical Devices Using Relativity" ). **The GPS has made it easier for members of society to travel.** 

What is the bottom line?
 * Bec ause people understand and apply the Theory of Relativity, it has led to made positive advancements ** such as electricity, radioactivity, and the GPS system. Scientists believe that, in the future, trips to space will also use //E = mc//// 2. // (Tyson, Peter, The Legacy of //E = mc//// 2 // ) . ** Although the Theory of Relativity is mind-boggling, society would not be the same if the “einsteins” of the world had not used it .**


 * Works Cited**

"ANSTO |Health." __ANSTO | Homepage__. 8 Feb. 2009 

The writer used this website to find the picture of the PET scan.

Dine, Michael. "Relativity." World Book Online Reference Center. 2004. World Book, Inc. 5 Feb. 2009 .  This website explains how the theory of relativity evolved. It tells about Einstein’s and other scientists’ contributions. Furthermore, it provides information on how the Theory is used in the world. It is reliable because it is by a professor. The writer used it to learn about the Theory of Relativity as well as how it is being used in the present world. 

"El ABC de la navegaci?PS - Mundo PDA - tu tienda especializada en PDA, navegaci?PS e inform?ca m?, HTC." __Mundo PDA - Mundo PDA - tu tienda especializada en PDA, navegaci?PS e inform?ca m?, HTC__. 7 Sep. 2005. 8 Feb. 2009 .

The writer used this website to get the GPS satelite picture.

"NUCLEAR FISSION." __Home page - Lancaster University__. 8 Feb. 2009 

The writer used this website to find the fussion picture.

Tyson, Peter. "NOVA | Einstein's Big Idea | The Legacy of E = mc2 | PBS." __PBS__. 5 Feb. 2009 [|.

This is a science tv report website. It includes the effects the theory of relativity has had on society as well as the effects it has had on physist's careers. It explains the theory in an easy-to-comprehend way. This is a credible site because it is made by a professional tv science reporting website.It has won awards. It's authors are professionals, such as professors. The writer used it to learn and understand the ways in which the Theory is being used in society. The writer also used this website to find the picture of Einstein. 

Wolfe, Joe, and George Hatsidimitris. "Relativity: Einstein's theory of relativity in animations and film clips. Einstein Light." __School__ __of Physics at UNSW, Sydney, Australia__. 5 Feb. 2009 .

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">This website has many links, therefore it has a lot of information. It includes information about the modern devices that use relativity. The writer used it to learn and understand about how the GPS uses the Theory of Relativity.