Why is time relative and how does this concept impact our understanding of the universe?

Time is relative because it can be experienced differently depending on factors like speed and gravity. This concept, known as time dilation, impacts our understanding of the universe by challenging our traditional ideas of a fixed and universal time frame. It suggests that time is not absolute, but rather a flexible and dynamic component of the universe that can vary depending on the observer's perspective. This challenges our understanding of cause and effect, and forces us to rethink how we perceive the passage of time in the vast expanse of the cosmos.