Theory of Relativity

The theory of relativity began as an idea by Galileo, a seventeenth-century astronomer, who wrote, "Motion exists relatively to things that lack it." This simple concept, when further explored by Albert Einstein, had astounding consequences. Einstein's first step toward a comprehensive theory of relativity established that not only was motion relative, but time and space were as well. He would follow up this discovery with the world's most famous equation: E = mc2. Ten years later, Einstein would again turn the scientific world upside down when he proclaimed that gravity is not a force, but a curvature of space-time. With this declaration, he had rewritten the most fundamental law of science. In Theory of Relativity, discover why some believe that this theory is the greatest scientific discovery ever made. Science Foundations explores topics that are essential to the study of Earth and the physical, chemical, and biological sciences in an accessible and easy-to-read, yet detailed format. Each title thoroughly covers basic science concepts and then looks beyond them to teach readers about our world and the universe. From the tiniest quantum particle to the expansion of the universe, the volumes in this series provide excellent supplements to an extensive science curriculum. Book jacket.