Regarding how Einstein thinks about the theory of relativity, Einstein wrote a small book "The theory of relativity in narrowness and general relativity".If you really like to think, it is recommended to read this book carefully, and you will feel like talking to the master.
If I want me to summarize it, I think it is probably this:
1. Einstein is familiar with Maxwell electromagneticLearn theory and appreciate it.Based on the Maxwell Formula, the speed of light in the vacuum can be derived. The value of the vacuum dielectric constant is obviously nothing to do with any reference system.
2. According to the traditional classic physical theory and classic space-time view, the speed must be related to the reference system.Therefore, either Maxwells electromagnetic theory is only applicable to a reference system; or Maxwells electromagnetic theory is suitable for multiple reference systems, so the speed of light is the same in different reference systems.
3. The thinking mode of Einstein believes that it is naturally uniform, harmonious, and beautiful. He doesThe Maxwell Formula Group is only applicable to a reference system.He firmly believes that the law of physics must be suitable for all reference systems (Einstein calls the principle of relativity).Therefore, in the two options of Article 2, Einstein resolutely chose the latter, thereby abandoning the classic time and space.
4. Only based on the unchanged light speed given by the Maxwell equations based on the principle of relativity and the unchanging conclusion of the Maxwell equation group.The conclusions of the theory of relativity, this derivation is not very complicated. There is a derivation process in the appendix of the "narrow and general theory of relativity".As a result, the "slow bell effect" and "gaunting effects" are all recognized by Einstein.
5. Finally, upgrade Newtons second law to the law of constant momentum. Based on the law of constant momentum, you can derive the moving equation that obtains the theory of relativity theory.And the famous e = mc^2.
6. At this step, Einstein is still dissatisfied because the theory of relativity is only obtained in the physics law of the inertial reference system (this is because the reference system established by Newtons law is the department of reference.The inertia reference system, the narrowing theory of the dynamic dynamics is based on Newtons law expansion), and the reference system of accelerated movement, the theory of relativity is no longer established.However, Einstein believes that the laws of physics should be established in all reference departments. Therefore, Einstein believes that narrowing theory is not the most essential physics theory.
7. Through further thinking, Einstein discovered that in classic dynamics, in orderThe quality of objects is proportional.At the same time, Einstein discovered that in the gravitational field, the gravity of the object was also proportional to the quality, and the object that freely fell in the gravitational field became an inertial reference department.This fact depends on an important conclusion, that is, the "quality" of the "quality" of the measurement of the inertia of the object is the same as the "quality" of the intensity of the gravitational field.Quality) are independent definition, there is no reason to happen.So Einsteins identification of inertia and gravity quality are essentially one thing. This is a basic hypothetical of general relativity.
8. It is one thing to recognize the quality and gravitational quality of the inertia, not just the literal meaning, this shows that EinsteinWith the nature of gravity, gravity is related to time and space.The rest is to find a suitable mathematical tool to describe this physical law, which brings great difficulty to Einstein until one day, Einstein learned about Riemann space.Great mathematician Riemann gave a ready -made mathematical tool decades ago to help Einstein complete the creation of general relativity.There is a certain depth of mathematics expression in general relativity, involving tension, differential geometry, Riemann space, etc., but its equations are very beautiful and symmetrical, but it is very difficult to solve. In most cases, it can only be approximately solution.
9.The most beautiful depth and deepest beauty reached by thinking have completely changed peoples understanding of time and space, and laid a solid foundation for us today to study the universe.To this day, countless physics experiments have verified the correctness and accuracy of the general theory of relativity again and again. Recently, the most famous one should be observed in the early 2016 gravitational waves.Therefore, if someone asks me the degree of the correctness of the general theory of relativity, I will answer, "I believe that the degree of general relativity is higher than the most devout Christian in the West to believe in God."
The above is a shallow narrative of how Einstein thinks about the theory of relativity. If it is possible, it is recommended to read the masters own work "The theory of relativity of the narrow sense and the general sense".