principle of equivalence

Thân thiện

Definition

Noun: 1. (Physics) A foundational concept in the theory of general relativity stating that the effects of gravity are locally indistinguishable from the effects of acceleration. An observer in a closed laboratory cannot determine through any experiment whether the laboratory is at rest in a gravitational field or is accelerating in the absence of gravity.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Einstein's principle of equivalence was a crucial step in the development of his theory of general relativity.
  • The principle of equivalence implies that inertial mass and gravitational mass are identical.

Advanced Usage

• "Strong equivalence principle": A more stringent version that extends the principle to all laws of nature, including those governing gravitational interactions themselves.
  • The strong equivalence principle is a key feature of Einstein's theory and is tested by observing the motion of compact objects.
• "Weak equivalence principle": The foundational form, often tested by experiments demonstrating that all objects fall with the same acceleration in a gravitational field, independent of their mass or composition.
  • Experiments with torsion balances provide precise tests of the weak equivalence principle.

Variants and Related Words

• Equivalence principle (noun): A common shortened form of "principle of equivalence."
• General relativity (noun): The theory of gravitation whose foundation is the principle of equivalence.

Synonyms

• Equivalence postulate (noun): A less common synonym emphasizing its axiomatic role in the theory.

Related Phrases

• Local Lorentz invariance: A related concept stating that in small enough regions of spacetime, the laws of special relativity hold.
  • The principle of equivalence is closely connected to the idea of local Lorentz invariance.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (physics) the principle that an observer has no way of distinguishing whether his laboratory is in a uniform gravitational field or is in an accelerated frame of reference