What You'll Learn:
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) was the 20th century’s most notable scientist. Specializing in theoretical physics, Einstein revolutionized our understanding of the physical universe. Amongst his many accomplishments are his theory of relativity, his equation regarding mass and energy (famously known as E = mc2), and his work on the photoelectric effect. He also articulated the central goal of modern physics, which is a unified field theory that encompasses all physical phenomena in the universe. In Relativity, Einstein lays out in clear terms his theory of relativity, which inaugurated the present era of modern physics.
Key Insights:
- Space and Time are not abstract concepts, but useful measurements.
- The special theory of relativity has shown the fundamental relationship between mass and energy.
- Special relativity led to the general theory of relativity.
- Alongside space and time, the assumptions of geometry had to be revised.
- Relativity revises our cosmological model.
- The theory of relativity ultimately informs us that our universe is finite.