Einstein's theory of special relativity contains some very strange ideas such as time dilation (moving clocks run slow), length contraction (moving lengths are shorter), and lack of absolute simultaneity. What is the basis of these ideas?
A) New technologies allow more precise measurements of length and time than had been possible in Newton's era, and the theory had to be reworked to fit this new evidence.
B) The speed of light is the same for all observers in all reference frames.
C) The ether (the medium that supports the passage of light) proved to be denser than originally thought.
D) The fabric of spacetime is dominated by black holes.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The basis of these ideas in Einstein's theory of special relativity is that the speed of light is constant for all observers, regardless of the motion of the light source or observer. This principle leads to the phenomena of time dilation, length contraction, and the lack of absolute simultaneity.

Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity Contains Some Very Strange Ideas