Special Relativity

Print version SpecialRelativity2.12 __NOTOC__ The book is divided into two sections, an introductory text and a more advanced text. Both texts cover the same topics. Undergraduates might compare their curriculum with the text and study appropriately. Introductory text Algebra Intermediate Introduction Historical Development Principle of Relativity The principle of relativity Frames of reference, events and transformations Special relativity The postulates of special relativity Spacetime The modern approach to special relativity Spacetime The lightcone The Lorentz transformation equations Simultaneity, time dilation and length contraction The relativity of simultaneity and the Andromeda paradox The nature of length contraction Evidence for length contraction, the field of an infinite straight current De Broglie waves The twin paradox The pole barn paradox Addition of velocities Dynamics Introduction Momentum Force Mass and energy Aether Introduction The aether drag hypothesis The Michelson-Morley experiment Mathematical analysis of the Michelson Morley Experiment Lorentz-Fitzgerald contraction hypothesis Faster than light signals, causality and Special Relativity Advanced text Calculus Linear Algebra Mathematical transformations Introduction The Lorentz transformation The linearity and homogeneity of spacetime The Lorentz transformation Length contraction, time dilation and phase Hyperbolic geometry Addition of velocities Acceleration transformation Waves Relativistic waves Principle of Relativity Applied Characteristics of Relativistic Waves The Doppler Effect Relativistic dynamics Introduction Momentum Relativistic Mass Mathematical approach Vectors Matrices Linear Transformations Indicial Notation Analysis of curved surfaces and transformations Four vectors Problems Appendices Mathematics of the Lorentz Transformation Equations Further Information Modern Physics General Relativity Relativity S 100% de:Spezielle Relativitätstheorie el:Ειδική Σχετικότητα ja:特殊相対論