What is the Difference Between Relativity and Special Relativity?

The theory of relativity, proposed by Albert Einstein, consists of two interrelated theories: special relativity and general relativity. The main differences between them are:

1. Scope: Special relativity deals with the relationship between space, time, mass, and energy in the absence of gravity, while general relativity explains the law of gravitation and its relation to the forces of nature.
2. Applicability: Special relativity is applicable for objects and waves in the same inertial frame of reference, while general relativity does not have that requirement. It also describes the relationship between an observer and constant speed.
3. Gravity: Special relativity does not involve gravity, focusing on objects and phenomena in the absence of it General relativity, on the other hand, provides a description of how gravity interacts with spacetime.
4. Space-time: Special relativity deals with flat spacetime, while general relativity involves curved spacetime.

In summary, special relativity focuses on objects and phenomena in the absence of gravity, dealing with objects and waves in the same inertial frame of reference and flat spacetime. General relativity, on the other hand, includes gravity, inertial and accelerated frames, and curved spacetime.

Comparative Table: Relativity vs Special Relativity

Here is a table summarizing the differences between special relativity and general relativity:

In summary, special relativity deals with the relationship between an observer and constant speed, ignoring the effects of gravity, and focuses on objects moving at constant velocities. General relativity, on the other hand, describes the relationship between an observer and acceleration, and includes the effects of gravity by considering spacetime as a continuous non-spatial whole. Both theories were developed by Albert Einstein, with special relativity coming first in 1905 and general relativity following in 1915.