Theory of Relativity

The General Theory of Relativity is a revolutionary scientific theory codified by Albert Einstein in 1911. It shows that space and time are part of a four-dimensional space-time continuum, and that absolute measures of neither space nor time exist, but that both can only be judged relative to the location in the continuum of a given observer. It showed that time runs more slowly and mass increases when a person is either travelling at a very rapid speed or in close proximity to a powerful gravitational field.

Other findings of the theory include the possibility of conversion of mass to energy and vice versa using the formula $E=MC^2$: Matter can be converted to energy at a yield equal to the original amount of matter multiplied by the speed of light squared, and energy can be converted to matter at a yield equal to the original amount of energy divided by same. The theory also suggests that it is not possible to travel at speeds greater than the speed of light. This is because matter grows more massive as it accelerates, and thus requires more and more energy to accelerate further the same amount of matter. As a particle approaches the speed of light, its mass approaches infinity, and so does the amount of energy needed to allow it to continue its acceleration past that point.

This theory's best known practical application is the harnessing of nuclear energy, and is part of the formula for Atomic bombs.

Theory of Relativity in Worldwar

The Theory of Relativity was known to both Tosevites and the Race. Among other things, the Theory of Relativity showed that a very small amount of matter could be converted into a very large amount of energy. This provided the theoretical underpinnings of the various projects which resulted in the invention of atomic bombs during the war between the Big Five and the Conquest Fleet.

The theory also seemed to suggest that no object in the universe could travel faster than the speed of light; however, this was disproven in 2031 when the FTL starship Commodore Perry made the eleven-light-year journey from Earth to Home in a mere five weeks.