Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics. His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science.
Related terms
Theory of Relativity: This is a concept developed by Einstein that describes gravity not as a force but as a consequence of the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy.
E=mc^2: This famous equation from Einstein's theory shows that energy (E) equals mass (m) times the speed of light (c) squared, indicating that mass and energy are interchangeable.
Quantum Mechanics: A branch in physics dealing with phenomena at very small scales where the action is on the order of Planck constant. It departs from classical mechanics primarily at quantum realm scale.