In the history of modern physics, who is credited with formulating the special and general theories of relativity?

Introduction / Context:
The theory of relativity is one of the most revolutionary developments in twentieth century physics. It fundamentally changed our understanding of space, time, gravity and energy. Knowing which scientist proposed these ideas is a standard part of general knowledge as well as science education. This question asks you to identify the physicist associated with the special and general theories of relativity.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the theory of relativity in the context of modern physics.
• This includes both special relativity, dealing with high speed motion, and general relativity, dealing with gravity and curved spacetime.
• We consider well established historical facts about major physicists.
• The options list several famous scientists from different periods and fields.

Concept / Approach:
Albert Einstein is the scientist who introduced the special theory of relativity in 1905, explaining how measurements of space and time change for observers moving at constant high velocities relative to each other. He later extended these ideas to include gravity in the general theory of relativity, published in 1915, where gravity is described as the curvature of spacetime caused by mass and energy. Isaac Newton formulated classical mechanics and the law of universal gravitation centuries earlier, but his framework is different from relativity. Niels Bohr contributed mainly to atomic structure and quantum theory, and Michael Faraday made fundamental discoveries in electromagnetism. Thus, the correct answer is Albert Einstein.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the theory of relativity is a twentieth century development, not from the era of classical mechanics.Step 2: Identify Albert Einstein as the physicist who proposed special relativity in 1905 as part of his famous papers.Step 3: Remember that Einstein later published the general theory of relativity in 1915, which redefined gravity.Step 4: Note that Isaac Newton developed classical mechanics and the inverse square law of gravitation, not relativity.Step 5: Recognise that Niels Bohr is known for the Bohr model of the atom and quantum ideas, not relativity.Step 6: Recognise that Michael Faraday is famous for work on electromagnetic induction and field concepts, not for relativity.Step 7: Conclude that Albert Einstein is the scientist who discovered and developed the theory of relativity.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard physics textbooks and historical accounts all associate relativity with Einstein. Special relativity is built on two postulates about the constancy of the speed of light and the equivalence of physical laws in inertial frames. General relativity describes gravity as geometry of spacetime and successfully predicts phenomena such as the bending of light near massive objects and the precession of Mercury orbit. These predictions were confirmed by observations and cemented Einstein reputation. No other scientist among the options is credited with this theory, although many have extended and tested it.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Isaac Newton discovered the law of gravitation and developed calculus and laws of motion, but his view treats space and time as absolute, which relativity modifies. Niels Bohr is closely associated with early quantum theory, including quantised orbits in hydrogen, not relativity. Michael Faraday laid foundations of electromagnetic theory through experiments, but the mathematical theory of electromagnetism was largely formulated by James Clerk Maxwell, who is not in the options. Therefore, none of these scientists discovered relativity.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners mix up major scientific names and may respond with the first familiar physicist they recall without linking the name to the correct theory. Others may confuse relativity with classical gravity and choose Newton. To avoid such confusion, remember that relativity is the modern replacement and extension of Newton gravity and is strongly associated with Einstein name, while Newton work belongs to classical physics.

Final Answer:
Albert Einstein is credited with formulating the special and general theories of relativity.