Science
Special relativity.
Definition
Special relativity is Einstein's theory describing how space and time behave for objects moving at constant velocities near the speed of light. It establishes that the speed of light is constant for all observers, time dilates for fast-moving objects, and mass and energy are equivalent.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 GPS satellites adjusting their clocks for relativistic time dilation to maintain accuracy
- 2 Muons created in the upper atmosphere reaching Earth's surface because their time is dilated
- 3 Particle accelerators needing enormous energy to push particles closer to light speed
Key Fact
E = mc²; nothing with mass can reach the speed of light (c ≈ 3 × 10⁸ m/s)