Chapter 36, Problem 1RCQ

To determine

The principal difference between relativity theories that is a special and general theory of relativity.

Answer to Problem 1RCQ

Solution:

The principal difference is found to be the accelerating reference frame. The special relativity theory deals with the uniformly moving reference frames (without acceleration), while the general relativity theory deals with the accelerating reference frames.

Explanation of Solution

Special relativitytheory

Einstein’s special relativitytheory describes the effects of the fact that all motion is relative and that everyone always measures the same speed of light. It deals only with the special case in which we ignore the role of gravity.

General relativitytheory

Einstein’s generalization of his special relativitytheoryis called General relativity theorywhich applies when we consider effects of gravity or acceleration. It applies with or without gravity.

The principal difference is consideration of the gravity or acceleration. The special relativity theory deals with constant velocity reference frame ones that aren’t accelerated and general relativity theory deals with the accelerating frames of reference.

Conclusion:

Thus, the principal difference is found to be the accelerating reference frame. The special relativity theory deals with the uniformly moving reference frames (without acceleration), while the general relativity theory deals with the accelerating reference frames.