Relativity

Einstein’s theory of special relativity built on the work of Galileo, and the principle of relativity, which states all motion is relative and there is no such thing as an absolute and well-defined state of rest.  Einstein’s theory of special relativity adds that the speed of light is the same for all inertial observers, regardless of the state of motion of the source.  In other words, the speed of light never changes, whether objects are moving or not, and movement or inertia (not moving) can be a temporary condition or state, but the speed of light is a constant-nothing is faster.

So there are two postulates of special relativity:

1. The laws by which the states of physical systems undergo change are not affected, whether these changes of state be referred to the one or the other of two systems of coordinates in uniform translatory motion.

2. As measured in any inertial frame of reference, light is always propagated in empty space with a definite velocity c that is independent of the state of motion of the emitting body.

The theory of general relativity is used when gravitation is a factor. This also called the generalization of the theory of special relativity.

This equation has been the cornerstone of physics and the two postulates challenged the work of Galileo, because his solutions break down as objects reach the speed of light.  Einstein’s work was challenged and tested again and again, and even though his initial work included a few assumptions, it has been challenged by skeptics, and is viewed as law, and what is taught is physics classrooms is based on these rules, including the fact that nothing is faster than the speed of light.

In 2011, scientists found something even faster and it was called a neutrino.