Who is known for the theory of general relativity? A) Isaac Newton B) Albert Einstein C) Niels Bohr D) Max Planck
VerifiedAnswer: B) Albert Einstein
Explanation:
Albert Einstein is universally recognized as the brilliant physicist who developed the theory of general relativity. This groundbreaking theory, published in 1915, revolutionized our understanding of gravity, space, and time, fundamentally changing how we view the universe.
Einstein's general theory of relativity describes gravity not as a force, but as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. According to this theory, massive objects like stars and planets bend the fabric of spacetime, and this curvature is what we experience as gravitational attraction. This was a radical departure from Newton's classical view of gravity as a force acting between objects.
Let's briefly examine why the other options are incorrect. Isaac Newton developed the law of universal gravitation and his three laws of motion, which dominated physics for over 200 years before Einstein's theories. While Newton's work was foundational, it was Einstein who proposed general relativity. Niels Bohr is famous for his contributions to quantum mechanics and atomic structure, particularly the Bohr model of the atom. Max Planck is known as the father of quantum theory and introduced the concept of energy quanta, earning him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918.
Einstein's general relativity has been confirmed through numerous experiments and observations. Some remarkable predictions include the bending of light around massive objects (gravitational lensing), the existence of black holes, gravitational waves, and the expansion of the universe. The theory also explained the previously mysterious precession of Mercury's orbit, which Newton's laws couldn't fully account for.
Modern technology owes much to Einstein's work. GPS satellites, for instance, must account for both special and general relativistic effects to provide accurate positioning. Without these corrections, GPS systems would accumulate errors of several kilometers per day. Einstein's theories continue to guide cutting-edge research in cosmology, helping us understand phenomena like dark matter, dark energy, and the fundamental nature of our universe.
