A friend summarizes the special theory of relativity by saying "Everything is relative." Explain why this statement is inaccurate.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The phrase 'Everything is relative' is an over-simplification of the Special Theory of Relativity. While the theory emphasis on the relativity of frames of reference, it also sets absolute constants like the speed of light, which remains unchanged irrespective of the relative motion between the observer and the source.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Special Theory of Relatively

Firstly, the Special Theory of Relativity by Einstein proposes two ideas: the laws of physics are the same in all inertial frames of reference, and the speed of light in a vacuum is constant, regardless of the source or observer. While this theory introduced the concept of relativity in the laws of physics, it certainly doesn't mean that 'Everything is relative.'.
02

Identify what's not relative

Even though the Special Theory of Relativity embraces the idea of relative frames of reference, it also establishes that some things are absolutes. According to the second postulate, the speed of light (c) is an absolute constant (approximately 299792 kilometers/second or 186282 miles/second) and does not change regardless of the relative motion of the source and the observer.
03

Conclusion

The statement 'Everything is relative' in the context of the Special Theory of Relativity is inaccurate. While relative frames of reference are a key part of the theory, fundamental physical constants like the speed of light remain invariant or absolute across different frames of reference.

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