I found a reasonably good explanation of the theories in words of 4 letters or less. However, I think that the author’s 4-letter limit makes the more complex parts difficult to understand. Can anyone suggest a good summary that makes use of longer words?
I found E=mc2, A Biography of the World’s Most Famous Equation (Amazon link) by David Bodanis to be very effective. Starts by discussing the components of the equation (“E” for energy, the “=” sign, etc.) to set some context and then explains how it works. It was one of the best ways I have come to understand how the relationship explained by the equation is constant, thus forcing balance in the form of weird things happening to mass as you approach the speed of light.
You might try General Relativity from A to B by Robert Geroch. I read it years ago and I don’t own a copy. I think it’s fairly nontechnical. I seem to recall that, despite the title, it also covers the special theory.
Einstein’s Universe by Nigel Calder is another good place to start.
This is a kind of ‘dumbing down’ that Einstein himself wrote, and it’s pretty approachable. You can really only simplify the topic so much, but in this case Einstein puts it in simple terms and relies very heavily on fairly simple analogies (ie, instead of moving through space, you’re on a train). There’s no expectation that you have any meaningful experience with higher math or science.
Relativity is a really tough topic. When I was studying it, frustration was a daily companion, but I was heartened somewhat when I read that (allegedly), when Einstein first published, even this guy needed some clarification before he fully understood what Einstein was saying.
I should have been clearer, but I am looking for something online with about the same level of detail as the link.
That looks unnatural as text just scrolling down and looking at it from an aesthetical standpoint. I think I’d have a hard time reading it at all because of the unnatural rhythm.
Many years ago I read an explanation of Einstein’s theories and all I really remember is something the author said in his introduction: It is not difficult to understand what Einstein said; what is difficult is accepting it. His statement may or may not be true, but it may be something to keep in mind as you read explanations of the theories.
George Mermin’s book “Time and Space in Special Relativity” was very good for this. I don’t remember anything accessible for the general one.
There are lots of places where a 5 letter word would have been so much better, but it’s not horrible.