EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE


Meaning of EQUIVALENCE PRINCIPLE in English

Fundamental principle of physics that in its weak form states that gravitational (see gravitation ) and inertial (see inertia ) masses are the same.

Albert Einstein 's stronger version states that gravitation and acceleration are indistinguishable. It implies that the effect of gravity is removed in a suitably accelerated reference frame, such as an elevator with its cable cut, in which a person would experience free fall .

Britannica Concise Encyclopedia.      Краткая энциклопедия Британика.