Palawan State University

COLLEGE OF TEACHER
EDUCATION
Puerto Princesa City

Physics 4/L: Modern Physics

Assignment

Name: TALANQUINES, GRACE S.

Define the following concepts:

1. Galilean-Newtonian Relativity- Galilean-Newtonian Relativity is the concept that

the laws of physics are the same for all observers moving at constant speeds in
straight lines. Proposed by Galileo and expanded by Newton, it's the foundation of
classical mechanics, where time and space are considered absolute and
independent of relative motion.

2. Michelson-Morley Experiment- The Michelson-Morley Experiment, conducted in

1887, aimed to detect Earth's motion through the hypothetical "aether," a medium
for light propagation. Surprisingly, it yielded null results, challenging the prevailing
aether theory and contributing to the development of Einstein's Special Theory of
Relativity, which redefined space, time, and motion relationships.

3. Postulates of Special Relativity- Einstein's Special Relativity is based on two

postulates: 1) The laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of reference,
regardless of their uniform motion. 2) The speed of light in vacuum is constant for
all observers, irrespective of their relative motion. These postulates reshape our
understanding of space, time, and the nature of motion.

4. Time Dilation- Time dilation, a key aspect of Einstein's Special Relativity, posits
that time passes slower for objects in motion relative to a stationary observer. As
velocity increases, time appears to "dilate," causing moving clocks to tick more
slowly. This effect becomes significant as objects approach the speed of light and
has been confirmed experimentally.

5. Length Contraction- Length contraction, a fundamental aspect of Einstein's

Special Relativity, states that objects in motion appear shorter in the direction of
motion when observed from a stationary reference frame. As an object's velocity
approaches the speed of light, its length contracts. This phenomenon has been
experimentally validated and is a consequence of the relativistic effects on space
and time.

Write a reflective paragraph about the following:

1. Impact of Special Relativity

Einstein's Special Relativity has left an indelible mark on our understanding of the
universe. Its profound implications, from time dilation to length contraction, have
reshaped how we perceive reality. By challenging classical notions of absolute
time and space, Special Relativity unveiled a new realm of possibilities in physics
and technology. GPS systems, for instance, factor in relativistic effects,
showcasing the theory's practical impact. This theory ignited revolutionary
breakthroughs, inspiring quantum mechanics and prompting us to reimagine the
fabric of the cosmos. Special Relativity continues to drive scientific inquiry and
captivate minds, offering a timeless testament to the power of human curiosity.

2. Is the Theory of Relativity true?

Yes, because the Theory of Relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, has been
extensively tested and verified through rigorous experimentation and observation.
Its predictions have been confirmed in various contexts, from high-energy particle
accelerators to precision measurements of the behavior of celestial bodies. The
accuracy of the theory in explaining phenomena such as time dilation, gravitational
lensing, and the equivalence of mass and energy lends strong support to its
validity. However, science is an ongoing process, and theories are subject to
refinement and adaptation as our understanding deepens. While the Theory of
Relativity has stood the test of time and its predictions align with real-world
observations, it's essential to recognize that science continually evolves, and new
discoveries might one day lead to modifications or extensions of our current
understanding. As of now, the Theory of Relativity remains one of the most
successful and well-established theories in the history of physics.