AndreaA

 The Theory of Relativity

       //The theory of relativity has positively impacted society by improving global positioning systems, creating nuclear power options, and challenging scientific philosophies.//

The theory of relativity is described as the theory that space and time are relative concepts rather than absolute concepts, and that objects move in respect to one another. Credit is given to the most influential scientist of the 20th century, Albert Einstein, for specifically drafting the theories of special relativity (published in 1905) and general relativity (published in 1916). Einstein believed that Newton's laws could possibly be incorrect and that his theory, which involved radio waves, was correct. Einstein's theories of relativity involve the general areas of matter, time, space, and energy. He also concluded that there were many aspects to relativity, including mass-energy equivalence (E=mc^2   ). Presently, Einstein's theory of relativity is universally accepted ("Relativity"). 

 <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">  <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Global positioning systems have been significantly improved and introduced because of Einstein's theory of relativity. Global positioning systems can be synchronized because of this theory. The effects of objects in gravitational fields need to be extremely precise when GPS are being used. The US Department of Defense developed the GPS in order to provide a satellite-based navigation system for its military. After the government determined that GPS was helpful for military uses, they decided to allow civilians to access to GPS (Pogge). In order to receive sufficient GPS signals, a GPS receiver must precisely measure distance between two objects using the travel time of radio signals. For global positioning systems to work, accurate signals must be sent from satellites holding atomic clocks in space. When a GPS is used, relativity equations are put to work to show exact position and time. GPS use constellations in the sky to determine a certain place on earth in relation to other places. GPS has become extremely helpful and influential in modern-day society. "...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).Without Einstein's findings, achieving accurate global positioning would be nearly impossible.

<span style="font-size: 140%; color: rgb(15,0,0);"><span style="color: rgb(0,128,255);"> Nuclear power has become available because of the theory of relativity. Many countries around the world utilize variable amount of nuclear power every day. Although many countries do not entirely depend on nuclear energy for fear of plant failure or some sort of malfunction, the idea that nuclear power is available is assuring. In the situation where humans use up most of the Earth's natural resources, we can rely on science and the theory of relativity to create nuclear power. "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" (Arora).

Scientific philosophies have expanded because of the theory of relativity. Einstein's ideas regarding relativity have challenged many of the ways traditional science views "certain physical aspects of the universe" (Arora). Compared to Einstein's theories of relativity, many of the ideas or objects philosophers thought to be fixed are incorrect. Einstein's recognition has been used by "philosophers, politicians, and activists to turn moral philosophy upside-down" (Arora). The theory of relativity has completely changed the way we view gravity. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">"Scientists have known for a long time that gravity is unusual... Why is it that gravity, and gravity alone, is able to adjust itself to pull everything towards the Earth at the same rate? <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Einstein answered this question in a revolutionary way. According to Einstein, gravity is not a //force// which pulls on things; rather, it is a //curvature// of space and time caused by the presence of a nearby massive object (like the Earth)" ("Curious About Astronomy"). <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">

Positive contributions to society, such a global positioning systems, nuclear power, and philosophic advancements have come about because of Einstein's theory of relativity. Because of Einstein and his ingenious theory, we know more now and can make predictions for the future. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> I think that in the future, we will have to use more nuclear energy because as we deplete our natural resources, we will have almost nothing left. GPS systems will obviously continue to make our lives easier. And finally, scientific philosophies will continue to evolve as more research on Einstein's theory of relativity is completed.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Works Cited: = =<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> = <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Arora, Hans. "Einstein's Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science? - Science in Society." __Northwestern University.__ 2 Feb 2009. <[|http://209.85.173.132/search?q=cache:CCqSPZuVJ3kJ:scienceinsociety.northwestern.edu/content/articles/2008/research-digest/student-papers/einstein/einstein2019s-theory-of-relativity-implications-beyond-science theory of relativity %]> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**This website focuses on other ways that Einstein's theory of relativity impacts our society (i.e. GPS systems, etc). The website uses simple terms to describe the theory. It is credible because it came from Northwestern University and is written by Hans Arora, an MD-PhD. There are also ways to contact the makers of the website.** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">"Curious About Astronomy? The Theory of Relativity." __Ask an Astronomer__. 21 Mar. 2008. Cornell University. 2 Feb. 2009 <http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/relativity.php >. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**This website provided information about one of the main point I want to focus on in my thesis statement- global position systems. They made useful examples available to help understand the concept. This website is valid because it is based out of Cornell University, a reputable school. There are ways to contact the webmasters, which would be helpful if questions arose.** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Pogge, Richard W. "Real-World Relativity: The GPS Navigation System." __GPS and Relativity__. 15 Dec. 2004. Ohio State University. 2 Feb. 2009 <http://www.astronomy.ohio-state.edu/~pogge/Ast162/Unit5/gps.html>. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**This website also focused on a section of my thesis statement, global positioning systems and how they came to be. It was helpful to read about how GPS work and their history. The website is credible because it is created by Ohio State University. The site was updated fairly recently in 2004, so I know the information is current.**

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">"Relativity." __Encyclopædia Britannica__. 2009. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 02 Feb. 2009 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/496904/relativity>. <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">**This website is part of Britannica's online encyclopedia. It talks about the impacts of relativity on society, which is what I am focusing on specifically. This site is legitimate because it's an encyclopedia and has proven statistics and updated information.** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">