Open Directory - Science: Physics: Relativity: Special Relativity
- The fundamental equations of special relativity are derived with only high school algebra and toy universes consisting of moving rulers. [PDF] - The answer to the famous barn and the pole paradox is that the two doors are never closed at the same time in the runner's frame of reference. - Einstein's special relativity is formulated in terms of 4-D commutative hypercomplex mathematics. The traditional results are obtained, but some additional effects are suggested. - This derivation uses the group property of the Lorentz transformations, which means that a combination of two Lorentz transformations also belongs to the class Lorentz transformations. [PDF] - Expressions for momentum and energy of a relativistic particle may be derived from the composition law for velocities along one spatial dimension. - The usual relativistic expressions for momentum and kinetic energy are generalized from the one-dimensional to the three-dimensional case. - An article from the Wikipedia encyclopedia. - A multimedia tutorial on Special Relativity. The introductory level takes 10 minutes, but has links to over 40 explanatory pages giving greater depth and breadth. - The general problem of relativistic addition of velocities – and the successive application of noncollinear Lorentz boosts – is addressed. [PDF] - This is chapter 1 of a book by Chris Doran and Anthony Lasenby on geometric algebra, which is the natural mathematics of spacetime. [PDF] - Here is the formula for adding velocities in special relativity when motion occurs in a single direction. - The major principles of special relativity (SR) are discussed in an accessible way, via 5 segments, to help you understand the lingo and theories involved. - There is a preferred algebra of quaternions and complex numbers that is ideally suited to express the equations of special relativity and classical electrodynamics. [PDF] - A growing collection of pages on special relativity, including Special Relativity in under 15 Minutes! - Lorentz contraction in systems undergoing constant proper acceleration is proven to be completely self-consistent in the context of special relativity. [PDF] - There are many ways to derive the Lorentz transformation without invoking Einstein's constancy of light postulate. The path preferred in this paper restates a simple, established approach. [PDF] - Albert Einstein's first paper on relativity, translated here from Annalen der Physik vol XVII 1905 p. 891-921, is of historical interest. - In this annotated version of Einstein's paper, the author attempts to express Einstein's insights in familiar notation and fills in some of Einstein's many missing intermediate steps. [PDF] - This is part 2 of Dwight E. Neuenschwander's annotation of Einstein's legendary paper. [PDF] - The quaternions are an expansion of complex numbers and show close relations to numerous physically fundamental concepts (e.g. Pauli Matrices). [PDF] - Relativists consider it a very important exercise to have students decide how to measure the length of a rapidly moving object. - Formulas relating one and the same force in two inertial frames of reference are derived directly from the Lorentz transformation of space and time coordinates. [PDF] - Chapter of a classical mechanics text describes spatiotemporal effects. Includes problems and solutions. [PDF] - An introduction to relativity using space-time diagrams. - When viewed with an alternative synchronization convention, the Sagnac effect on a rotating disk is purely topological and the rim of the disk is essentially an inertial system. - An estimate of the speed and distances covered by Santa Claus on Christmas night. The physics is unassailable. The article is hosted on the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory website. - Special relativity may be derived just from assuming isotropy, homogeneity and a principle of relativity, without the need to consider the speed of light. - The age-old puzzling problem of Lorentz contraction on a rotating platform, i.e., Ehrenfest's paradox, is explained in its proper mathematical context. [PDF] - Tutorial explains about the postulates, paradox, simulaneity, time dilation, Lorentz transformation constructions, spacetime wheel, and the Fitzgerald-Lorentz contraction. Page includes some animated illustrations. - Download Christoph Schiller's 1612 page walk through the whole of physics, from classical mechanics to relativity, electrodynamics, thermodynamics, quantum theory, nuclear physics and unification. chapter 2 explains special relativity. [PDF] - A standard introduction to special relativity where explanations are based on pictures called spacetime diagrams. - Synchronization functions set the mathematical clocks represented by the Lorentz transformation and resetting these clocks mathematically only produces a theory equivalent to special relativity in predicting empirical facts. 57 pages. [PDF] - The exact equation for the Doppler shift in a uniformly accelerating rocket is derived in two different ways. The first method depends on a functional equation and Einstein’s approximation. The second approach is a direct application of several familiar equations in the relativity of uniformly accelerated motion. - Self-tutorial with short essays, questions and answers. - This theorem by H. J. Borchers and G. C. Hegerfeldt proves that the constancy of light velocity alone implies the Lorentz group (up to dilatations). - Spatially compact spacetimes break global Lorentz invariance and define absolute inertial frames of reference. - The gamma factor and time dilation can be derived using a very simple clock. - Brief explanation of special relativity, using no more than high-school level mathematics; includes an account of the twin paradox, some remarks on faster-than-light travel, and some material on relativistic mechanics. By Rafi Moor. - This paper analyzes several simple uniform acceleration problems, including the paradox of John Bell. [PDF] - Lecture notes on Special Relativity, prepared by J. D. Cresser, Department of Physics, Macquarie University. 44 pages. [PDF] - Encyclopedia article giving a brief outline of the basic concepts of special relativity (including simple formulas). - Online encyclopedia article.
