general relativity
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A theory of gravitation: General relativity is a fundamental theory in physics that describes gravity not as a force, but as a consequence of the curvature of spacetime caused by the uneven distribution of mass and energy.
- A generalization of special relativity: It extends the principles of special relativity to include accelerated frames of reference and gravity, based on the principle of equivalence between gravitational and inertial mass.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Einstein's theory of general relativity revolutionized our understanding of gravity.
- Predictions of general relativity, such as gravitational lensing, have been confirmed by observation.
- The mathematics of general relativity is based on Riemannian geometry.
Advanced Usage
"In the framework of general relativity": Used to specify that an explanation or prediction is made according to this theory.
- In the framework of general relativity, black holes are described as regions of extreme spacetime curvature.
"Classical general relativity": Refers to the original theory as formulated by Einstein, distinct from attempts to quantize it.
- Classical general relativity breaks down at the singularity inside a black hole.
Variants and Related Words
- General theory of relativity: A full, synonymous name for the theory.
- Relativity: The broader scientific concept encompassing both special and general relativity.
- Spacetime: The four-dimensional continuum (three space dimensions and one time dimension) that is central to the theory.
- Gravitation: The natural phenomenon that general relativity aims to describe.
Synonyms
- Einstein's theory of gravitation: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its origin and subject.
- Geometric theory of gravity: A synonym highlighting its description of gravity as geometry.
Related Phrases
- Principle of equivalence: A foundational concept of general relativity stating that gravitational and inertial forces are locally indistinguishable.
- Field equations: Refers to Einstein's field equations, the core set of equations in general relativity that relate spacetime geometry to energy-matter content.
- Curvature of spacetime: The central geometric concept in the theory.
Related Idioms
- "Bend like spacetime": A modern, figurative idiom inspired by the theory, meaning to be extremely flexible or adaptable.
- The project requirements kept changing, but the team had to bend like spacetime to accommodate them.
Noun
- a generalization of special relativity to include gravity (based on the principle of equivalence)