Question

Describe the postulate on which Einstein based the theory of general relativity and describe an everyday experience that illustrates this postulate.

A. Gravity and velocity have the same effect and cannot be distinguished from each other. An acceptable illustration of this is any description of the feeling of constant velocity in a situation where no outside frame of reference is considered.
B. Gravity and velocity have different effects and can be distinguished from each other. An acceptable illustration of this is any description of the feeling of constant velocity in a situation where no outside frame of reference is considered.
C. Gravity and acceleration have the same effect and cannot be distinguished from each other. An acceptable illustration of this is any description of the feeling of acceleration in a situation where no outside frame of reference is considered.
D. Gravity and acceleration have different effects and can be distinguished from each other. An acceptable illustration of this is any description of the feeling of acceleration in a situation where no outside frame of reference is considered.

Answer 1

Einstein's theory of general relativity is based on the equivalence principle, with gravity and acceleration producing indistinguishable effects. The experiences of weightlessness in free fall or the force felt during an airplane's takeoff exemplify this principle in everyday life.

Step-by-step explanation:

Einstein's Theory of General Relativity

Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity is based on the equivalence principle, which states that gravity and acceleration have indistinguishable effects. To illustrate this principle in an everyday experience, consider being in an elevator. If the elevator cable snapped and it began to freely fall, those inside would experience weightlessness, much like astronauts in orbit. This is because both scenarios can be described as being in free fall, where the effects of gravity are not felt, demonstrating the indistinguishability of gravity and acceleration in such a situation.

Another example is riding in an airplane. When cruising at a constant altitude and speed, passengers feel similar to standing on Earth, indicating an inertial frame of reference. During takeoff, the increased force due to the plane's acceleration gives a sensation of being pushed back into the seat, akin to experiencing a stronger gravitational pull. This shows how, without looking outside, acceleration and gravity produce similar effects on the passengers—both altering their experience within the aircraft, which aligns with the principles of general relativity.