Why does Einstein's theory of special relativity carry the name "special"?
A) The theory deals only with motion at speeds significantly less than the speed of light.
B) The theory deals only with objects that are at rest relative to each other.
C) The theory deals only with gravity, not with other kinds of forces.
D) The theory deals only with objects moving in a straight line at a constant speed.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Einstein's theory of special relativity is termed "special" because it applies to the specific case of objects moving at a constant speed in a straight line, excluding scenarios involving acceleration or gravity, which are addressed by the theory of general relativity.

Why Does Einstein's Theory of Special Relativity Carry the Name