Science & Technology2018
Consider the following statements:
- Light is affected by gravity.
- The Universe is constantly expanding.
- Matter warps its surrounding space-time.
Which of the above is/are the prediction/predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity, often discussed in the media?
Explanation
The correct option is 1, 2, and 3, as all these statements encapsulate key predictions of Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. This theory fundamentally alters our understanding of gravity, depicting it not as a force but as a curvature of space-time caused by mass; hence, matter does indeed warp its surrounding space-time. Furthermore, the observation that light is affected by gravity, such as in gravitational lensing, alongside the concept of an expanding universe, both stem from Einstein's revolutionary ideas, fundamentally linking gravity with the dynamics of space and time. This framework is essential for comprehending modern astrophysics and cosmology, which are frequently addressed in subjects like UPSC GS Paper I.
