Final answer:
Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity, proposed in 1905, revolutionized physics by demonstrating how time and space are affected by speed and gravity, and established the speed of light as a universal limit.
Step-by-step explanation:
Albert Einstein's Theory of Relativity is a pivotal concept in Physics that deals with the relationship between time, space and the speed of light. Introduced in 1905, the theory of special relativity explains how the perceptions of time, space, and speed can differ for observers moving at constant velocities relative to each other. It presents a limit on how fast objects can travel, stating that nothing can exceed the speed of light, which is the universal speed limit. These ideas were further expanded in Einstein's general theory of relativity, which involves the effect of gravity on the fabric of spacetime, describing how massive objects distort both space and time around them.
A Revolution in Perspective
The theory of special relativity marked a revolution in perspective, demonstrating that the mechanics known before, while accurate at lower speeds, start to break down as one approaches the speed of light. This leads to phenomena such as time dilation and length contraction, challenging the idea that time and space are absolute. Such relativistic effects, while not noticeable in our everyday experiences, have been confirmed by countless experiments.