Einstein+Theory

Name: Date: 8th Grade Science – STEM Middle Academy – Mr. Condon Block: Einstein’s Theory A scientific theory is a set of hypotheses that try to explain a natural phenomenon. In 1905, Albert Einstein proposed the Theory of Special Relativity. You have seen this theory in the equation E=mc2. When a theory is proven correct over and over again it eventually becomes a Scientific Law. An example of this would be Newton’s Law of Universal Gravity. Amongst other things, the Theory of Special Relativity proposed the idea that nothing with mass could exceed the speed of light. The speed of light is 186,282 miles per second or about 300 million meters per second. Until recently, this theory has always been proven correct. Many had started to call it the Law of Special Relativity. Recently however, scientists in Europe were conducting an experiment with neutrinos. Neutrinos are particles smaller than atoms (subatomic) that are released when stars fuse hydrogen atoms into helium to create heat and light. Neutrinos are cruising about the universe from every star and because they have a neutral (no) charge, they pass through your body (and the earth for that matter) without interacting. Scientists believe that neutrinos have almost no mass, instead they are simply bundles of energy. Shooting neutrinos from Switzerland to Italy, the scientists very accurately measured the speed and found that the neutrinos travelled at 186,282.002 miles per second during their 725 kilometer trip. Some believe that this is the first evidence that the Theory of Special Relativity is wrong. In the space below, pretend that you are Einstein and have just learned of this evidence. Write a conclusion as to whether or not your theory is still correct. Use evidence to support your claim.