Einstein

Definition

Einstein's Theory of Gravity, also known as General Relativity, describes gravity as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. This theory revolutionized our understanding of gravitational forces and replaced Newton's law of universal gravitation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Einstein's field equations describe how matter and energy determine the curvature of spacetime.
2. General Relativity predicts phenomena such as time dilation near massive objects and the bending of light around stars (gravitational lensing).
3. The theory has been confirmed through experiments like the observation of the precession of Mercury's orbit and gravitational waves.
4. Black holes are a solution to Einstein's field equations, representing regions where spacetime curvature becomes infinite.
5. The equivalence principle is a cornerstone of General Relativity, stating that local observations in a freely falling reference frame cannot distinguish between uniform acceleration and gravitational fields.

Review Questions

• What do Einstein's field equations describe?
• How does General Relativity explain the bending of light around massive objects?
• What experimental evidence supports Einstein's Theory of Gravity?

Related terms

Spacetime:

A four-dimensional continuum combining the three spatial dimensions and time into a single manifold.

Gravitational Waves:

Ripples in spacetime caused by accelerated masses, predicted by General Relativity and detected by LIGO.

Equivalence Principle:

A principle stating that local observations in a freely falling reference frame are indistinguishable from those in an inertial frame without gravity.