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Einstein's theory of relativity has positively affected the world of science, influencing technological advancements and modern science. Albert Einstein first published his theory in 1918 and applied it to the entire universe. Einstein declared that the speed of light is a constant value and that the laws of physics observed by moving viewer are the same as laws of physics seen by a non-moving viewer. General relativity states: "gravity, as well as motion, can affect the intervals of time and of space in one direction is equal to acceleration in the other direction" (Lightman). A major component of general relativity is the equivalence principle. This states that gravity pulling in one direction is equal to the acceleration in the other direction. Alan Lightman, a physicist, novelist, and professor at MIT, demonstrated the equivalence principle, saying, "a car accelerating forwards feels just like sideways gravity pushing you back against your seat. An elevator accelerating upwards feels just like gravity pushing you into the floor" (Lightman).

The equation E=mc² is perhaps the most famous part of Einstein's theory of relativity. This equation has formed the basis for nuclear energy, which has provided the world with a clean source of alternate energy. Nuclear energy can also be used to create bombs. Nuclear bombs have had a large effect on society. The United States dropped nuclear bombs on Japan during World War II. After World War II, there was a nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

Another way the theory of relativity has affected our day-to-day lives is GPS, or global positioning systems. GPS is possibly the most easily recognizable piece of technology, and without the theory of relativity, they would not wor k. GPS allow people to navigate their cars quickly and effectively to get to their destination. These compact devices are very complex. T hese navigation systems need a series of satellites in orbit around the earth in order to work. Four of these satellites have to be visible to the GPS to triangulate their positions and provide its exact location on the Earth, give or take a few meters (Pogge). Each satellite carries an atomic clock wit h precision up to one nano-second (Pogge). The satellites need to be accurate within 20-30 nanoseconds for this system to function with reasonable accuracy (Pogge). Scientists were able to determine the difference between c locks on the earth and clocks on the satellites through complex mathematical calculations. Without including this variation, GPS error would accumulate by ten kilometers per day (Pogge).

People are affected by the theory of relativity by the infinitely expanding universe. This theory states the universe will gradually expand over time, and as there is only a certain amount of energy in the universe, and energy can neither be created nor destroyed, this will eventually cause to our planet (and the rest of the universe) to get colder and colder. This massive climate change would drastically affect everyone everywhere. This theory came from Alexander Friedmann's theory, the big bang theory. He thought of this theory in 1922 and based it on Einstein's general relativity equations. In this theory, Friedmann stated that the universe began as an extremely dense mass at a very high temperature (Lightman). Ever since the start of the universe, this mass has been expanding and continues to do so indefinitely. This will cause a climate change to occur. Although the change may not be noticed overnight, people will eventually notice it, which will likely affect the lifestyles of many different people from a variety of cultures across the globe.

The theory of relativity affects our lives everyday. The theory of relativity has made nuclear power possible, as well as atomic bombs. When someone gets into a car and requests directions from a GPS device, they are using the theory of relativity. In the near future, we may face a global catastrophy–mass climate change due to the universe's continual expansion, a part of the theory of relativity.

__Works Cited -__ Arora, Hans. "Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Implications Beyond Science? — Science in Society." __Home — Science in Society__. 20 Oct. 2008. 26 Jan. 2009 . //This web site provides an article on Einstein's Theory of Relativity written by Hand Arora. Arora is very creditable because he is a MD-PhD candidate in the lab of Northwestern University. This web site is meant for anyone that is interested in Einstein's theory of relativity. The article is very up to date; it was written on October 20, 2008. This website was valuable in my research.// Lightman, Alan. "NOVA | Einstein's Big Idea | Relativity (Lightman Essay) |." __PBS__. June 2005. 26 Jan. 2009 . //How would 10 top physicists—two Nobel Prize winners among them—describe Einstein's equation to curious non-physicists? I liked this site because it was not boring and it was an easy way to digest the information via audio rather than reading plain text. This website it credible because PBS is a very reliable source and the information came from nobel prize winners and top professors from Harvard and MIT.// Pogge, Richard W. "GPS and Relativity." __The Ohio State University Department of Astronomy__. 15 Dec. 2005. 27 Jan. 2009 . //This web site was written by Richard W. Pogge, a qualified professor at the Ohio State University Department of Astronomy. It provided me with a simple explanation on how satellites use the theory of relativity. This web site was written for anyone that has an interest in how satellites incorporate relativity while in orbit. This site a reliable source that is fairly recent; only a few years old//.