Table of Contents
- 1 What is the first law of relativity?
- 2 Why is Newtonian mechanics a special case in special relativity?
- 3 What is the main difference between special theory of relativity and general theory of relativity?
- 4 Is Newtonian theory consistent with relativistic theory?
- 5 Why is Newton’s third law of motion important?
- 6 What are the two postulates of special relativity?
What is the first law of relativity?
RELATIVITY. Newton’s First Law of Motion. Our experience seems to teach us that the “natural” state of all objects is at rest (i.e. zero velocity), and that objects move (i.e. have a nonzero velocity) only when forces are being exerted on them.
Why is Newtonian mechanics a special case in special relativity?
Today, special relativity is proven to be the most accurate model of motion at any speed when gravitational and quantum effects are negligible. Even so, the Newtonian model is still valid as a simple and accurate approximation at low velocities (relative to the speed of light), for example, everyday motions on Earth.
How does the theory of relativity describe gravity?
GETTING A GRIP ON GRAVITY Einstein’s general theory of relativity explains gravity as a distortion of space (or more precisely, spacetime) caused by the presence of matter or energy. A massive object generates a gravitational field by warping the geometry of the surrounding spacetime.
How does relativity compare with Newtonian physics quizlet?
How does relativity compare with Newtonian physics? Relativity gives the same result as Newtonian physics when objects are moving slowly.
What is the main difference between special theory of relativity and general theory of relativity?
Special relativity applies to all physical phenomena in the absence of gravity. General relativity explains the law of gravitation and its relation to other forces of nature. It applies to the cosmological and astrophysical realm, including astronomy.
Is Newtonian theory consistent with relativistic theory?
It should however be kept in mind that the Newtonian cosmology is just a non-relativistic limit of the standard relativistic cosmological model and that it cannot account for a number of important physical features of the expanding universe.
How is motion described by the theory of relativity?
Motion at speeds approaching the speed of light must be described by the theory of relativity. The equations derived from the theory of relativity reduce to Newton’s when the speed of the object being described is very small compared to that of light.
When do the equations of the theory of relativity reduce to Newton’s?
The equations derived from the theory of relativity reduce to Newton’s when the speed of the object being described is very small compared to that of light. When the motions of extremely small objects (atoms and elementary particles) are described, the wavelike properties of matter must be taken into account (see quantum theory ).
Why is Newton’s third law of motion important?
The third law implies that the total momentum of a system of bodies not acted on by an external force remains constant (see conservation laws, in physics). Newton’s laws of motion, together with his law of gravitation, provide a satisfactory basis for the explanation of motion of everyday macroscopic objects under everyday conditions.
What are the two postulates of special relativity?
Special relativity is based on two postulates which are contradictory in classical mechanics : 1 The laws of physics are the same for all observers in any inertial frame of reference relative to one another (… 2 The speed of light in a vacuum is the same for all observers, regardless of their relative motion or of the motion of… More