Developing the general theory of relativity, Albert Einstein recognized the principle of equivalence. According to this principle, an ade...
Developing the general theory of relativity, Albert Einstein recognized the principle of equivalence. According to this principle, an adequately accelerating system has the same physical laws as a system in a given gravitational field. He described this equivalence by a thought example demonstrating that a person in an adequately accelerating elevator cannot make any distinction between the gravitational field of the Earth by any physical experience.
However, the principle of equivalence cannot be true in any situation. Einstein's thought experience demonstrated the equivalence by an accelerating elevator, which accelerated in a straight line. However, the straight-line acceleration cannot satisfy the principle of equivalence in any situation. For example, if we want to demonstrate the principle of equivalence with a physical experience that consumes an adequately long time, equivalence cannot be maintained. The straight-line acceleration generates faster and faster speed, which cannot be maintained at any limit. There is a maximum limit of speed. Alternatively, from another point of view, to maintain this kind of movement for an unlimited time, it requires unlimited energy.
The principle of equivalence is true for any acceleration only for a limited time. Straight-line acceleration cannot be maintained for any long time so an adequately long physical experience can distinguish between the straight-line acceleration and the gravitational field.
However, the principle of equivalence can be true if we distinguish between the accelerating movements. The principle cannot be true for straight-line acceleration, but it is true for an acceleration of circular movement. The circular movement can create a physical environment, which cannot be distinguished from the gravitational field and can be maintained for any long period of time without unlimited energy requirements. The principle of equivalence has a limitation, time limitation if we want to use it for any kind of accelerating movement, but this limitation disappears if we applying it for special accelerating movement where the speed is constant and the direction of the movement changing constantly.
This distinction must have an important meaning in the behavior of nature especially what is time and how is it behave. For example, the time is going slower and slower in the case of straight-line acceleration, but the time is going slower but keeps a steady rate in the case of circular type acceleration. It may be called this difference as the principle of inequivalence.
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